Dryopteris expansa (Spreading Wood Fern) is a deciduous fern forming an upright tuft of finely divided, broad, triangular, dark green fronds from a scaly rhizome. Round and pale green, the sori are located on the underside of the leaflets. The erect or ascending rhizome often produces offshoots, which may be divided. Well-behaved and non invasive, Spreading Wood Fern is an elegant species that is well suited to massing in a woodland garden where its fine-textured, lacy leaves can be admired.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
• A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, moist well-drained soils.
• This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, or woodland gardens.
• Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
• Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
• Native to Asia, Europe, Japan, North America.