Ferns

Native Ferns are easy to grow, almost maintenance free and do well in difficult areas.
There are ferns for every soil type and moisture level.

Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina

Soil: moist, rich
Height: 1' - 2'
Remarks: This is one of the easiest ferns to grow and will do well in dry soil and even in sun. This fern spreads rapidly under moist conditions.

Sensitive Fern
Onoclea sensibilis

Soil: wet, average
Height: 1' - 2'
Remarks: This plant will tolerate sun if there is abundant moisture, but it does very well in shade even in dry soil. A wonderful tall ground cover at 1 to 2 feet.

Royal Fern
Osmunda regalis

Soil: moist, rich
Height: 1' - 2'
Remarks: Among the most lovely and useful landscape plants. Requires moisture and less sunlight than most ferns.

Ostrich Fern
Metteuccia struthiopteris

Soil: moist, rich
Height: 3' - 5'
Remarks: Forms a large vase and the fronds look like ostrich feathers.

Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides

Soil: moist to dry, average
Height: 1' - 2'
Remarks: One of our most hardy evergreen ferns and a necessary addition for any shade garden.

Cinnamon Fern
Osmunda cinnamomea

Soil: moist, rich
Blooming: May to June
Height: 1' - 2'
Remarks: The magnificent fiddleheads are among the most welcome signs of spring. These tall fronds make a bold statement for group plantings under the eaves. These ferns like a touch of sun.

Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum

Soil: moist to dry
Height: 1' - 2'
Remarks: Perhaps the most beautiful of all the woodland ferns. It is so delicate and airy that the slightest breeze makes it dance.

Bracken Fern
Pteridium aquilinum

Soil: dry, sandy
Height: 1' - 2'
Remarks: This fern will tolerate direct sunlight if there is abundant moisture.