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Dryopteris expansa (Spreading Wood Fern)

Spiny Wood Fern, Spreading Wood Fern, Spreading Woodfern, Northern Wood Fern

Dryopteris expansa, Spiny Wood Fern, Spreading Wood Fern, Spreading Woodfern
Dryopteris expansa, Spiny Wood Fern, Spreading Wood Fern, Spreading Woodfern

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, and North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Dryopteridaceae
Genus Dryopteris
Common names Fern
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Rocky Mountains, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
Tolerance Full Shade
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Dryopteris wallichiana Jurassic Gold (Alpine Wood Fern)
Dryopteris arguta (Coastal Wood Fern)
Thelypteris noveboracensis (New York Fern)
Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal Wood Fern)
Dryopteris cristata (Crested Wood Fern)
Dryopteris intermedia (Intermediate Wood Fern)

Recommended Companion Plants

Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)
Astilbe
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Dryopteridaceae
Genus Dryopteris
Common names Fern
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Rocky Mountains, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
Tolerance Full Shade
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Dryopteris to pick?
Compare Now

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