Woodwardia areolata (Netted Chain Fern)

A good choice for naturalizing, Woodwardia areolata (Netted Chain Fern) is a deciduous, rhizomatous fern boasting pinnatifid, glossy green, sterile fronds, 1-2 ft. long (12-24 cm), adorned with lanceolate, serrate pinnaes and netted veins. The rachis is winged and the petiole is dark reddish brown. Larger and more erect, the fertile fronds appear in summer, with spores produced in chainlike rows on the lower side of the blade. This perennial fern has a long creeping rhizomes. Forming new growth constantly from its rhizome, Netted Chain Fern will spread to form large colonies under ideal growing conditions, almost to the point of becoming weedy. Easy to grow in moist, shaded sites, Netted Chain Fern is a great asset for bog gardens, pondside plantings and water gardens where it provides shelter for frogs, toads or newts. It can be used as a ground cover for wet, shady places too.

• Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Performs best in part shade to full shade in acidic, organically rich, moist to wet, well-drained soils.
• Perfect for shade gardens, native plant gardens, woodland gardens, bog gardens, water gardens or along ponds and streams.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Cut down old fronds when they deteriorate
• Propagate by spores or rhizome division.
• Native to eastern and southern North America.