Alphabetical Plant Listing

Woodwardia fimbriata (Giant Chain Fern)

Giant Chain Fern, Giant Chainfern, Woodwardia chamissoi


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.

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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
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)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
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, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance 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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John Rusk, Flickr,(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com

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.


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
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)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
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, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance 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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