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Woodwardia fimbriata (Giant Chain Fern)

Giant Chain Fern, Giant Chainfern, Woodwardia chamissoi

AGM Award
Woodwardia fimbriata, Giant Chain Fern, Giant Chainfern, Woodwardia chamissoi, Evergreen fern, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soil
Woodwardia fimbriata, Giant Chain Fern, Giant Chainfern, Woodwardia chamissoi, Evergreen fern, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soil

Popular in California gardens, award-winning Woodwardia fimbriata (Giant Chain Fern) is a large evergreen fern adorned with tall, arching, twice-divided fronds, up to 8 ft. long (240 cm). The lacy, lance-shaped, apple green fronds rise from dense cinnamon crowns of short, stout rhizomes. The short but broad sori are arranged in neat lines on the undersides of the fronds and are prominently visible on their upper surfaces. Native from British Columbia to Mexico, Giant Chain Fern is the largest fern in North America. This coastal species grows in moist coniferous woodlands and is particularly impressive in the redwood forests. Withstanding neglect once established, Giant Chain Fern can be used alongside a pond or stream, against a shaded wall, or in a woodland garden. Excellent as an accent in shaded areas.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 4-8 ft. tall and wide (120-240 cm).
  • Performs well in part shade to full shade in neutral to acidic, moderately fertile soil with plentiful moisture. In frost prone areas shelter from cold, drying winds and protect in winter with a dry mulch.
  • Perfect for beds and borders, hedges, cottage gardens or containers.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Cut down old fronds when they deteriorate
  • Propagate by division or from spores.
  • Native to western North America from British Columbia through California, including the Sierra Nevada, into Baja California.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Blechnaceae
Common names Fern
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spacing 48" - 72" (120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Recommended Companion Plants

Aquilegia formosa (Western Columbine)
Mimulus cardinalis (Scarlet Monkey Flower)
Mimulus guttatus (Yellow Monkey Flower)
Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine)
Arbutus menziesii (Madrone)
Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood)
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 8 - 10
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Blechnaceae
Common names Fern
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spacing 48" - 72" (120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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