Current Fern List

This name may be a bit confusing to many and throw others into lustful fits as they equate this with some elusive treasure from old-time catalogs, but this is the new classification for our western U.S. maidenhair. It was formerly grouped with the East Coast native Northern Maidenhair, Adiantum pedatum, and then subsequently separated out as a subspecies appearing under the name Adiantum pedatum subspecies aleuticum before eventually earning a place as a distinct species in its own right, Adiantum aleuticum when it was formally described by Cathy Paris in 1991. Botanists have bickered back and forth over whether to leave it classified as a distinct species or continue to group it with or as a subspecies of A. pedatum, but the important thing is that these two U.S. natives are morphologically distinct from one another even though they are often confused. The colloquial common name of Five-Finger Maidenhair Fern is aptly descriptive, since the blade on Adiantum aleuticum is more stiffly arching with a main rachis that sticks out farther than the adjacent pinnae, making it reminiscent of a hand with a long, outstretched middle finger. While the Northern Maidenhair, Adiantum pedatum, tends to be more regular and fan shaped and reaches a height of 2’, the Western Maidenhair, Adiantum aleuticum, is highly variable in the wild and from when cultivated from spore, sporting slight variations in spacing between the pinnules and is capable of growing slightly taller, up to 2 1/2' feet. In the wild they are typically found on steep slopes, embankments, or shaded rocky outcroppings along streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. They prefer a moist to slightly moist slope with ample indirect or filtered light where water is available but does not pool around the roots in the wet winter months, and once they are situated in a favorable spot they are a graceful, lovely and reliable garden perennial provided they do not get too wet or too dry. Since they hail from the temperate Western United States, they are not quite as cold tolerant as their eastern counterpart, and prefer the mild winters of USDA Zones 5-8.

There are also two recognized subspecies of the Western Maidenhair that are now considered as ecotypes; subsp. calderi is the serpentine ecotype, and subsp. subpumilum is the dwarf ecotype. For those interested in Cathy Paris' formal description it can be found in "Rhodora", The Journal of the New England Botanical pub Vol. 93, No. 874, April 1991.

Frond Condition: Deciduous
Mature Height: 12-30" (1 - 2 1/2')
Origin: Western North America
Cultural Requirements: Some Shade, Part Shade, Full Shade, Evenly Moist to Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 5,6,7,8

This handsome maidenhair has pinkish-bronze new growth and a distinctive fuzziness on the stipes, blades and sori of its fronds.  It has a beautiful habit of gently arching its upright fronds downward at the tips in a fountain effect, unlike temperate species A. aleuticum and A. pedatum which tend to be more upright with horizontally stretching blades.  Native to southern India, eastern Africa and some Pacific Islands, this evergreen fern will grow in high or low humidity conditions and makes an outstanding houseplant when provided with adequate light.  It also makes a nice addition to gardens in the milder climes of USDA zones 7-10, and has actually escaped from cultivation in parts of the eastern United States.  Like other evergreen maidenhair ferns, the Rough Maidenhair Fern enjoys a periodic trimming to remove old fronds as they start to degenerate; this helps make space for new emerging fronds and promotes good air circulation.  This fern also enjoys drying out a bit between waterings rather than needing the constant moisture that more temperate maidenhair ferns demand.

Frond Condition: Evergreen to Semi-Evergreen

Mature Height: 18"

Origin: southern India, eastern Africa and some Pacific Islands

USDA Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10 or as houseplant

Cultural Requirments: Part Shade, Evenly Moist* (likes to dry out between waterings, will tolerate low humidity), winter protect from extreme cold or excessive moisture in marginal zones

This form of A. raddianum (Delta Maidenhair Fern) has pinkish, almost violet colored new growth that fades to a luscious green and a slightly denser habit than typical for the species, with triangular fronds that can reach 12” by 12”. The pinnae tend to overlap along the margins, giving it a wonderful feathery appearance. Christopher J. Goudey notes in his book Maidenhair Ferns in Cultivation that this particular cultivar comes true from spore! In cultivation it is very to similar to A. raddianum, which is hardy in USDA Zones 8-10 or can be kept as a houseplant in colder zones. In our trials the intense tinting of the new groth allowed this fern to tolerate more bright direct light than other cultivars of A. raddianum, making it a great candidate for a bright window or garden site. It prefers part sun to part shade, and to be watered lightly but not to be drenched; situate on a slope to ensure maximum drainage in wet months and avoid excessive watering of the foliage or provide good air circulation. As a houseplant, water it periodically at the base and allow it to begin to dry out before watering again.

Frond Condition: Semi-evergreen in marginal climates; Evergreen in milder climates or as a houseplant

Mature Size: 12” (1’), colonizing rhizome

Origin: Mexico, South America, Southeast Asia; ‘Brilliantelse’ is noted as a cultivar selected out of A. raddianum ‘Goldelse’, which itself was selected out of A. raddianum ‘Elegans’ in 1911.

Cultivation requirements: Part Sun to Part Shade, Lightly Moist to Evenly Moist

USDA Zones: 8, 9, 10, or as a houseplant

This fern produces a stunning carpet of finery of brilliant soft green fronds in the early spring which mature to a bluish-green by fall and become tinged with bronze during the winter as they slowly degrade. The typical maidenhair aspect of downward curved pinnules exposes the rachis in a skeletal dark tracery above the symmetry of inverted triangles. It is known as the evergreen maidenhair since the frost bronzed fronds persist throughout the winter gradually breaking down to make way for the new reddish-tinged croziers in early spring. Failing to give this fern an early spring trim will result in a mash of old fronds crowding the fresh new ones and you'll miss the exquisite delight of sunshine illuminating those multitudinous fiddle heads. Give this fern a humus-rich root run taking care to not bury the rhizome too deeply. This is the only maidenhair I grow that thrives on being divided and is best propagated by pulling the rhizomes into small bits and planting in a loose humus rich soil.

Frond Condition:  Semi-evergreen; colonizing
Mature Height:  6-12"
Origin: Himalayan Mts. to China
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Full Shade, Partly Shaded, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones:  4,5,6,7,8
Notes: Does not like areas with hot humid summers (SE U.S.), provide good drainage for best results

Yes, it's an evergreen maidenhair!  Tracy's Hybrid Maidenhair is a naturally occurring cross between the Western Maidenhair (A. aleuticum) and the California Fan Maidenhair (A. jordanii).  While the Western Maidenhair is winter-deciduous and the California Fan Maidenhair is summer-deciduous, the hybrid they create is evergreen!  The fronds have a slightly more triangular shape than A. aleuticum, and black stipes characteristic of maidenhair ferns.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Size: 2'

Origin: Western U.S. Coastal Zones                                                    

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

This lovely cultivar of A. raddianum has a distinct, large triangular shaped blade. The pinnae are larger and more deeply lobed than on the cultivars A. raddianum ‘Brilliantelse’ and A. raddianum variegatum ‘Snowflake’, with more space between the segments. It is more compact than A. raddianum and is noted to have stiffer stipes, which make its fronds slightly more resistant to breaking in rain and wind. New growth emerges a bright green and fades to a blue-green as the fronds mature. In our trials ‘Fritz Luthi’ preferred shadier conditions than both ‘Brilliantelse’ and ‘Snowflake’, since it does not produce as much pigment to protect its new fronds, making it an excellent choice for filtered shade or as a houseplant. For best results water lightly at the base and avoid repeated saturation of the fronds. For outdoor cultivation situate near the top or middle of a slope; when watering saturate the soil uphill from the fern so it percolates down and avoid frequent overhead watering of the fronds.

Frond Condition: Deciduous to Semi-Evergreen, depending on zonal conditions. May be Evergreen in milder zones or as a houseplant.

Mature Size: 2’

Origin: selected from Adiantum raddianum, which is native to South and Central America

Requirements: Part Shade to almost Full Shade, evenly moist but prefers not to be overly wet

USDA Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11

This stunning cultivar of A. raddianum actually has variegated foliage! New fronds emerge in brilliant shades of light green, pink and red, then fade through yellow tones and finally to green as they unfurl. Loosely arranged, fan-shaped pinnae hover over black stipes, giving this fern an open, somewhat ephemeral look. As the fronds harden off and mature they begin to show striations of white, giving this fern a truly muti-layered and multicolored appearance. Variegation is strongest on mature fronds that have become shaded by newer growth above. In our trials, this fern handled bright, direct light almost as well as ‘Brilliantelse’ and better than ‘Fritz Luthi’.

Frond Condition: Deciduous

Mature Size: 2’

Requirements: Part Sun or Part Shade to almost Full Shade, evenly moist.

USDA Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11 or as a houseplant

Although they are physiologically distinct from one another, the Northern Maidenhair, Adiantum pedatum and the Western Maidenhair, Adiantum aleuticum, are often confused with each other and it is not uncommopn to find them mislabeled as one another in the commercial trade. A. pedatum is shorter, reaching a mature height of 1 to 2 feet, and tends to have more regular, graceful and fan shaped fronds with a higher degree of symmetry. When dormant, it is also more cold tolerant than it’s West Coast relative, making it suited for a wider variety of growing zones. When situated in a favorable spot it will tolerate winter conditions as harsh and cold as USDA Zone 2 and as mild as USDA Zone 9, provided it is not drowned by winter moisture. As with other Maidenhair ferns, these seem to prefer to be situated in part shade on a slight slope where moisture is available during the growing season and runs past, but does not pool around the roots in winter.

Frond Condition: Deciduous

Mature Height: 1-2'

Origin: Eastern United States

Cultural Requirements: Part Shade to Full Shade, Evenly Moist to Slightly Moist

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Syn: Scott’s Spleenwort Fern, Asplenosorus x ebenoides

This curious cross of A. platyneuron with A. rhizophyllum is less tasty to voracious slugs than its second parent.  Although normallly a sterile hybrid, a fertile population was discovered in the Southern U.S. by Julia Strudwick Tutwiler (1841-1916), earning it the hybrid species designation of x tutwilerae, though it has since been often described and sold as x ebenoides. The highly variable fronds are cut in bizarre patterns of assorted shaped and sized lobes with the apex sometimes trailing to the ground and rooting.  Its long, narrow fronds with elongated tips conjure up a certain chaotic whimsicality, much like having a patch of green spiky dragon tails in the garden.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Size: 4-12”

Origin:  Southern and Eastern United States

Cultural Requirements: Part Shade, Full Shade, Lightly Moist to Evenly Moist

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8

The English "scolly" has given rise to an amazing range of innovative forms. They all begin from this simple shiny lanceolate strap, which resembles a long, green tongue. The sausage-shaped lines of the sori bear a fanciful resemblance to the feet of a centipede, hence the species name which comes from the Greek term for that creepy crawler, "scolopendra". Site this fern in well drained yet moisture retentive soil. Found in lime rich areas, they are adaptable to acid conditions if some form of calcium is added to the soil. To keep things basic merely incorporate some small chunks of concrete rubble, crushed eggshell, or fireplace ashes in the planting area. These ferns thrive in the chinks of dry stack rock walls or tucked up under a rocky overhang. Filtered light is best to keep them a deep rich green as too much sun will yellow them.

There are many suitable companions for these ferns including such east coast natives such as Anemonella thalictroides selections and Hepatica species and cultivars. These are diploid forms from England. Although the subsp. americanum occurs in the eastern US that it is a tetraploid and, surprisingly with a doubled number of chromosomes, a much more difficult form to grow. This fern does not do well in areas with HOT, HUMID SUMMERS!

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  1-2'
Origin:  England, Europe
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Calcium* (*these ferns prefer alkaline soils; in acid environments they will greatly benefit from crushed egg shells, concrete rubble, or crushed oyster shells mixed into the soil)
USDA Zones:  6, 7, 8, 9

The term 'Cristatum' is really a blanket designation covering a wide array of various forms with divided fronds. The Victorians named every nuance of forked, fan-shaped,branched, or bunched, divisions with a descriptive Latin epithet and or finder's name. Some accounts list upwards of 350 or more named forms which are difficult to conclusively assign today. Since this species and its variable progeny are capable of tremendous innovation when raised from spores only a fraction of the sporting offspring are "true" or repeats of the original parent. In the strict sense of the Cristate section the cresting occurs in the top third of the frond and goes on to re-divide into apical crests and tassels. Many of the offspring may also include some from the ‘Ramose Cristate’ section where the initial division occurs in the lower third of the frond, even as low as the stipe, as well as dividing at the tip or apex. You will often see both types of cresting occurring on an individual frond as well as the same frond on a single plant. Size as well as degree of cresting is also variable even when sowing from a single selected form. As with other English tongue ferns, this fern prefers a somewhat moist shady spot with a touch of calcium in the soil.

Frond Condition: Evergreen
Mature Height: 12-20 inches
Origin: U.K.
Cultural Requirements: Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Calcium
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

Synonyms: Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Angustifolium’

This form has a narrower blade than the typical species, giving it a seaweed like appearance. Like other tongue ferns, it prefers slightly alkaline soils to maintain a healthy green sheen.  The margins of the fronds are generally gently lobed or crenate and in the best forms there is a ridge of tissue running down the middle of the underside of the blade. The most commonly seen form in the trade is one referred to as 'Marginatum Irregulare' by the Victorians due to the uneven nature of the width and undulations of the blade margin. There is also a fimbriate form with fringe like segments on the margin. Martin Rickard's "Plant Finder's Guide to Garden Ferns" has the illustrations of these two forms switched in identity. True Crispum forms are wider ruffled similar to an Elizabethan ruff and do not produce lines of sporangia.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  6-12"
Origin:  English cultivar, UK
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Calcium
USDA Zones6, 7, 8, 9

This is the fertile version of the much coveted ruffled sterile 'Crispum' forms of the Hart's-tongue fern. The best forms of 'Undulatum' pull the edges of the undulating blade into a spiral as if the fronds were whirligigs in motion creating a wonderful effect like a ruffled seaweed.  I have seen several rather poor forms being labeled as this which are merely typical of the normal range of variation within the species with slightly wavy edges that simply don't deliver the same impressive habit.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  6-12"
Origin: English cultivar
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Calcium
USDA Zones:  6, 7, 8, 9

Linear fronds with 15-30 pairs of dark green pinnae are borne on slender glossy brownish-black stipes. The minutely stalked pinnae are usually asymmetric rounded oblongs with variably toothed edges. Aging fronds shed their pinnae over time while building up a persistent tuft of leafless stipes below the current year's fronds. Colonies of maidenhair spleenwort usually grow in fissures where small moss and humus accumulations provide a moisture retentive yet well drained and aerated root run. Although these rocky denizens may occur on a southerly slope they are always situated out of the direct sun, and we have found that they prefer slightly acid soils.  Excessive soil splashing can cake on the fronds and inhibit their growth, so make sure that the soil around them is secured in place with rocks, moss, or dense forest loam that resists splattering.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  6-12"
Origin:  Pacific Northwestern U.S.
Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones:  5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Also sold as: Norfolk Island Spleenwort

The stiff, waxy fronds of this evergreen hybrid fern make it a little more forgiving about variations in ambient humidity than other sub-tropical and tropical Asplenium species, as the waxy coating allows it to store and use water more effectively and resist wilting in dry heat. As the fronds unfurl the pinna begin very chubby and rounded, gradually develop deeper notches between lobes and a greater degree of dissection as fronds age and more mature fronds are produced. In our trials it was moderately slow growing compared to our other sub-tropical and tropical crops, and has stayed quite compact with very dense growth.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Size: 12-18”

Origin: Australia

Requirements: does not like temperatures below 50 F. Prefers Part Shade. Will tolerate Part Sun but may become lightly burned or turn yellowish-brown in too much light; Full Shade is not recommended as plants may slowly lose their vigor and become leggy. Prefers Evenly Moist to Lightly Moist to Dryish; for best results use a well drained medium allow to dry out between waterings. Water with room temperature water.

USDA Zones: 9, 10, 11 or as a houseplant

Synonyms / Also Sold As: Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red', Athyrium angustum f. rubellum ‘Lady in Red’

This elegant red stemmed lady fern is native to the Eastern United States.  It was originally described as a sub-strain of the species and given the name vairiety angustum.  However, in recent years I have seen this in the trade under the name 'Lady in Red.'  New fronds are several times divided and have brightly colored stipes, giving them an appearance like green lace on red knitting needles!  The overall habit is very upright upon emergence, with fronds splaying out slightly horizontally as they mature and become heavier.  The lovely thing about this particular lady fern is that it is larger and more vigorous than many of the delicate European lady ferns, but not as huge or aggressive as the Western Lady Fern (A. filix-femina var. cyclosorum).  Like other lady ferns, they prefer deep shade and even moisture and do best with some protection from high winds and animal traffic as their fronds are brittle and somewhat easily broken.

Frond Condition: Deciduous

Origin: Eastern United States

Mature Height: 2-3'

Cultural Requirements: Part Shade, Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8

The original parent of the Victoria Lady Fern, Athryium filix-femina 'Victoriae' was a very erect plant almost four feet in height with unique percruciate, or lattice-like, onstruction.  The narrow fronds have pinnae (leaflets) that cross each other at 45 degree angles, making for a unique and highly structural lattice look with diamond shaped spaces between the pinnae, and neat, even tassels on the tips, all set against a green to light pink stipe (stalk).  The result is an impressive and lacy spray that adds a dramatic texture to any garden.  Good forms should consistently show the same excruciatingly crossed frond pattern and even tassel formation as the original parent plant.  While the striking, structural look of this fern has been compared to lattice, crossed daggers, and even forked lizard tongues, I like to think of it as a lovely, lacy, treasure map, where "x" marks the spot . . . again and again and again!  Like other English Lady Ferns, the fronds are somewhat brittle and are best protected from high winds to avoid premature breakage.  And like other English Lady Ferns, it prefers an evenly moist location with early morning or late afternoon sun exposure.

Frond Condition:  Deciduous
Mature Height:  12-40
Origin:  England
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist
USDA Zone4,5,6,7,8

One of the most charming and recognizable lady fern finds with its unique fan-shaped pinnae flared out less than 1/2 inch on either side of the rachis. Mrs. Frizell found it on her property in Ireland in 1857 where “It grew between two boulders “so fast and with so little soil, that it was with great difficulty my husband removed it." These sporlings seem to be some of the best progeny I have seen of this form from spore as many irregular plants are often produced in spore lots. I can't guarantee perfection from every plant, and I have seen a few indications of apical cresting, but for the most part there seem to be no major breaks out of character. Tissue cultured plants also have the same tendency to break form so look for a plant that is consistent in character.

Frond Condition:  Deciduous
Mature Height:  6-12"
Origin:  Ireland
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist
USDA Zones:  4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Synonyms/Also sold as: formerly Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’, a recent taxonomic revision has placed this fern into the genus Anisocampium.

It's easy to see why Japanese Painted Ferns are a favorite for many gardeners.  Tri-color pastels, as if from an artist's palette, adorn the tri-pinnatifid (three-times-divided) fronds of this fern. Glowing burgundy stems meld into the soft green pinnae, finishing in a spray of creamy to chalky white at the edges and tips.  The long, pointed, triangular shaped 1 to 1 1/2' fronds tend to arch down in a pleasing cascade, making it an excellent and highly visible foreground companion for other shade and moisture-loving perennials in the garden.  Because they have a colonizing rhizome, clumps of Japanese Painted Ferns will spread in favorable conditions, and put fronds up from multiple locations rather than a central crown (caudex), making for a profuse, almost hedge-like display that is perfect for shady borders and low accents.

This cultivar exhibits a tremendous range of color and texture variation when grown from spore, and some plants will tend to be heavy on the burgundy accents, while others tend more toward chalky white tones. When selecting Japanese Painted Ferns, try to pick one whose texture and coloration is pleasing to you, since they vary somewhat!  This is all natural variation within the species cultivar. While specimens tending toward burgundy are impressive as stand-alones, or against contrasting colors of other perennials, specimens with good white coloration often show up much better in the shady, moist locations that where these ferns thrive.  Good coloration is best achieved with early morning or late afternoon dappled sun, while taking care to maintain a humus-rich moist root run.  Japanese painted ferns do not like to be dry even when they are dormant in the winter! Snails and slugs are particularly fond of emerging new growth so for best results protect with mollusk trap or baits in the spring.

Frond Condition:  Deciduous; colonizing
Mature Height:  12-15"
Origin:  Japan
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, protect from slugs and snails
USDA Zones:  4,5,6,7,8

Synonyms: Athyrium 'Ghost' (A. niponicum 'Pictum' x A. filix-femina), Ghost Lady Fern, Ghost Japanese Painted Fern, Hybrid Ghost Fern

This hybrid between a southern U.S. lady fern (Athryium filix-femina var. asplenoides),  and a Japanese Painted Fern  (A. niponcum 'Pictum') was a chance sporling found in Nancy Swell's Richmond, Virginia garden. Nancy named it 'Ghost' for its upright habit. There has been speculation that the name refers to its pale silvery gray color, but Nancy said that it was more to describe its unusually upright habit, since "when you see a ghost your hair stands on end!"

At any rate, this stunning type of Japanese Painted Fern has a distinctive upright habit and bright white chalky coloration that really makes it stand out wooded borders and shady garden settings.  The stipes tend to be a light, bright shade that approaches magenta rather than the typical burgundy stipe of the traditional Japanese Painted Fern.  As with other painted ferns they prefer fairly deep shade as their soft fronds are easily burned by hot sun and prefer an evenly moist setting.  Many deciduous trees, like Japanese maples, make excellent canopy companions, protecting the ferns with overhead foliage in the summer yet allowing them good light and air circulation during parts of the early spring and late fall when there are no overhead leaves.  Like other deciduous ferns they handle cold winters well by staying dormant below the ground and re-emerge in the spring.

Frond Condition:  Deciduous
Mature Height:  12-30"
Origin:  U.S. Garden hybrid (U.S. lady fern x Japanese lady fern)
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist
USDA Zones:  4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Formerly/Also sold as: Eared Lady Fern, Athyrium otophorum, Athyrium oblitescens

Lustrous broad black scales cloak the emerging ghostly creamy yellow new croziers which elongate into chalky green spear-head shaped blades. This symmetrical vase-shaped fern with graceful arching fronds is supported by a glowing burgundy network structure. This fern will persist much longer than the Japanese painted fern into the early frosts of autumn. I was fortunate to receive spores for this population which was being produced by commercial fern growers from Ray Coughlin. Ray and Rita had the most magical garden I have ever seen in England beginning with a pristine rock garden and extending back hundreds of yards into marvelous trees and shrubs skirted with a mind boggling collection of Victorian ferns and other rare fern species. I cherish the wonderful visits I had with them with my mentor, Jimmy Dyce, and all the fabulous fern treasures they shared with me over the years.  On a recent trip to Japan I discovered that there appears to be some confusion between the form commonly sold in the commerial market, once identified as A. otophorum, and A. oblitescens, which are very similar yet distinct species.

Frond Condition:  Deciduous
Mature Height:  1-2'
Origin:  Asia
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist
USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Native to South America, this is a crested form of the Little Hard Fern!  This creeping groundcover makes an impressive carpet of crested fronds up to 6" in height that sport orange to mahogany red new growth throughout the summer season.  Since it is dimorphic (makes two types of fronds), in the mid-to-late summer it may put up a very upright set of sporing fronds, which stand slightly taller and have narrower pinna than the vegetative foliage, giving it an added layer of structure. This fern prefers moist areas and good light exposure, which helps to develop bright colors on emerging fronds. This is one of the few ferns that will actually tolerate almost full sun if it has an ample supply of water, and it thrives in bogs or near ponds.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen; colonizing
Mature Height:  4-6"
Origin:  South America (Chile)
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, up to Full sun in Bog conditions
USDA Zones:  7, 8, 9

Cyrtomium falcatum has had a popular following as a house plant since the Victorian era. George Schneider extols its virtues in his informative trilogy The Book of Choice Ferns thus: "they are indeed the best Ferns for use in the least favored places - in rooms and on staircases - where their leathery foliage of distinct and handsome appearance seems to defy the deadly influences of draughts and gas better than that of any other Ferns with which we are acquainted." And believe me the Victorians were acquainted with a vast array of incredible fern species. It is no wonder that gardeners were soon testing this species out of doors. The heavy lustrous pinnae approach the color and texture of Portugal laurel leaves. The basal portion of the sickle-shaped pinnae are lobed on the upper edge while slanting obliquely on the lower edge. The margins of the typical species are coarsely toothed which in this variety the toothed segments become etiolated into coarse fringe. This species of Cyrtomium is the easiest of the genus to grow being less fussy about constantly even moisture and actually delighting in summer warmth. For those of you in the southern portion of the U. S. this is a gorgeous ornamental species with a reliable track record. It is evergreen in zones 9-10 but deciduous with frost. This fern likes zones with summer heat and its waxy fronds will tolerate drier air than most ferns, making it a suitable indoor fern for house culture.

Frond Condition: Evergreen (Zones 9, 10) to Deciduous ( Zones 7, 8)

Mature Height: 20-30” (1 1/2’ - 2 1/2’)

Origin: India, China, Japan

Cultural Requirements: Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist to Lightly Moist

USDA Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10

The distinctive features of this species are its satin-chartreuse ovate-oblong pinnae with fairly smooth margins and very slight auricles on the upper edge next to the rachis. C. fortunei itself has twelve to twenty-six pairs of pinnae, with the fronds exhibiting an extremely upright stance and a waxy, lime-green sheen that fades to bright forest green as the fronds mature.  Intermediate forms of the species, such as C. fortunei var. intermedium and C. fortunei var. clivicola., typically have half the number of pinnae of the straight species C. fortunei, but make up for the reduced number of leaflets by producing larger, more lance shaped pinnae and arching out their fronds out horizontally.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  1-2'
Origin: Asia
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist. LIME
USDA Zones:  6, 7, 8, 9

Formely sold as: Cyrtomium fortunei var. intermedium

Cyrtomium fortunei is separated into four subspecies in Iwatsuki's Volume I of the "Flora of Japan".  Recent collections of new populations of Cyrtomium fortunei types have made me aware that there is great confusion in the trade with these various subspecies.  This fern was originally keyed as C. fortunei var. intermedium, but as more information has become available it has been re-keyed as C. fortunei variety clivicola! Takeko Hayashi, has most graciously been sending helping me sort out the various subspecies through correspondence, additional color illustrations, and actual herbarium samples for comparison. I started this endeavor at the end of the fall season so I look forward to pursuing sorting these out when I have new sporing fronds. The first key designation regards the color of the indusia. Both fortunei var. fortunei and fortunei var. clivicola have indusia that are colored uniformly grayish white throughout and fortunei var. intermedium and fortunei var. atropunctatum have bi-colored indusia, dark brown in the central portion and grayish white in the marginal portion. Nearly ripened sori are needed to properly observe this. The other interesting factor in growing these subspecies is that they are all agamosporous so they bypass gamete sex and bud directly from the gametophyte. This means they are usually very uniform in nature as populations. The distinctive features of this species are its satin chartreuse ovate-oblong pinnae with fairly smooth margins and very slight auricles on the upper edge next to the rachis. Cyrtomium fortunei var fortunei has twelve to twenty-six pairs of pinnae which are limited to twelve in var. clivicola. The pinnae are much larger, more lance-shaped and rounded at the base. The fronds of the type species have a fairly upright habit while this variation tends to a more horizontally arching habit.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  1-2'
Origin: Asia
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Calcium (prefers alkaline soils)
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

Dark brown stipes support ample oblong-ovate lustrous pinnae which billow out in graceful horizontal arcs. The 2 to 8 pairs of bamboo-green smooth-edged pinnae are capped by an undivided to three-cleft terminal. This is probably one of the most striking species of Cyrtomium in cultivation and is a perfect foil to hide the downed winter foliage of hybrid hellebores.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  1-2'
Origin: Asia
Cultural Requirements: Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Calcium
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

This most remarkable dwarf is highly suited for the rock or miniature garden area. The frond is lanceolate in outline and not more than two to three inches at its greatest width. The closely set slender pinnules end with "curved hook-like tips". The color is subdued to a pewter-hued green from the vibrant green of the species. This fern is often listed under the name 'Crispa Congesta' which may seem applicable by character but that not a published name before 1959 and therefore invalid.
cultivation information
Frond Condition: Semi-evergreen
Mature Height: 5-8" (Dwarf)
Origin: England
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 5,6,7,8,9

This upright narrow form was found in the English Lake District in 1855.  Although it is quite similar to D. complexa ‘Stableri,’ it is generally shorter and appears narrower as the pinnae come to slender points, curving forward and slightly upward.  Like other male ferns in the affinis and complexa groups this fern is rather forgiving and can handle anything from part sun to full shade, from moist to dryish.

Frond Condition: Semi-evergreen to Sub-evergreen                             Mature Size: 2-4’, upright habit                                                                  Origin: England 1855                                                                              Cultural Requirements: Part Sun to Full Shade, Evenly Moist to Dryish USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Two narrow forms of the golden-scaled male fern were found during the Victorian fern era which were counterparts to Dryopteris filix-mas 'Barnesii'. The form known as 'Stableri' has its origins with x complexa and the 'Pinderii' form came from affinis subsp. affinis according to Dryopteris taxonomist C. Fraser-Jenkins. There is a crisped form of 'Stableri' which we received from Holland in which I found some plants reverted back to 'Stableri' and grew this population. The crisped 'Stableri' is being marketed by the Dutch as 'Angustata Crispata' but there is no historical precedence for this name. However, C. F. J. calls it 'Stableri Heerlen or Meerien (his writing is very difficult to decipher) presumably after a continental grower. Whatever the nomenclature behind this form it is an outstanding contribution to the garden especially in the mixed perennial border with its upright narrow architecture that blends well with all sorts of floppy bloomers in need of physical support. The fronds are three to four inches wide at the center of their lanceolate length. The pinnules are more rounded with slightly undulate edges than the usual squared-off precision of the species.

Frond Condition: Semi-evergreen
Mature Height: 3-5'
Origin: England
Cultural Requirements: Some Shade, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Dryish
USDA Zones: 5,6,7,8,9

This fern has the same four inch wide fronds of its namesake 'Stableri' but with each pinnule delicately crinkled. There is some slight variation as to the degree of crisping making it a bit difficult to determine whether to label plants as straight 'Stableri' or 'Stableri Crisped' however they are all excellent forms, and make for great accents or trellis for floppy companion plants. We received this fern from Holland under the name 'Angustata Crispata' which does not appear in any of the literature published prior to 1959, and is therefore an incorrect nomenclature. See comment about the name under Dryopteris x complexa 'Stableri' listing.

Frond Condition: Semi-evergreen
Mature Height: 3-5'
Origin: England
Cultural Requirements: Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Dryish
USDA Zones: 5, 6 7, 8, 9
Notes:  Date specific origin unknown

The triangular-shaped fronds are a delicate network of cobwebby tatting edged in demurely flared tips. When I first encountered this form in cultivation in the Pacific Northwest one hobby grower insisted on calling it 'Grandiceps' even though there was no large apical divided apex (it lacks cresting typical of 'Grandiceps' cultivars). In fact the apex of this form is very often not crested or if it is only slightly. The epithet “'lepidota' refers to the numerous dark brown scales prominently lapping the stipe and rachis. This fern does not come reliably from spores so there are many incorrectly labeled variants of this being sold commercially. Spore grown plants may revert to normal dilatata lines or along crested lines. True 'Lepidota Cristata' is much smaller than forms that revert back to the species dilatata.

Frond Condition: Evergreen
Mature Height: 12-18" (1-1.5')
Origin: England
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

A spectacular fern from Japan which more than lives up to its pseudonym with a sensational display of color. Exotic red to coppery-pink croziers unroll into pinkish honey-green fleshy fronds which mature to a rich leathery green. Cold weather brings a hint of russet to this peerless evergreen. As if all this display were not enough it produces bright red sori on the frond reverse in late summer. Most of the plants in the trade circulating as D. bissetiana, D. hondoensis, and D. purpurella are forms of D. erythrosora.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  2-3'
Origin:  Japan, Eastern Asia
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Evenly Moist
USDA Zones:  6, 7, 8, 9

This narrowed statuesque form with slightly ruffled ovate pinnules makes a striking statement in the border or woodland vista. One of the most striking things about this fern is the negative space between the pinnules (leaflets). Because the margins of the lobes curve upward, it appears almost as though there are little circles of blank space between each segment that light can shine through, making it seem almost as if it is holding small floating beads aloft among its fronds. As with Dryopteris x complexa 'Stableri', this fern also makes excellent trellis for floppy companion plants that need support.  John Mickel reports that 'Barnesii' gets three feet tall with four inch wide fronds for east coast gardeners in his invaluable book Ferns for American Gardens.

Frond Condition: Sub-evergreen
Mature Height: 3-4'
Origin: England
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 5, 6 ,7, 8, 9

Also Sold As:  Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Parsley’, Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Crispa Cristata’

This congested, crested, dwarf male fern has been offered in the US trade under several names for many years. I first received it as Dryopteris filix-mas 'Crispa Cristata' and did not become aware that this was incorrect until Reginald Kaye gave me what he considered to be 'Crispa Cristata’. His classic 1968 book, Hardy Ferns, lists ‘Fluctuosa Cristata’ as a synonym for ‘Crispatissima Cristata’ which he describes as "more elaborately crisped and crested” than ‘Crispa Cristata’, with a prominent terminal crest. Going back further, Druery, in his cultivar bible, British Ferns and Their Varieties, lists a form called 'Crispatissima Cristata’ which he links as synonmous with 'Fluctuosa Cristata'. There is no mention of the cultivar 'Crispa Cristata' in Druery's book, so it must have been recognized later. When this cultivar arose and who gave it this name I have not yet discovered! Perhaps it is time to re-read all the 1959 British Fern Gazettes and see if the name and description were published before that date and can be legitimately used. Martin Rickard's photo layout in his fabulous book "The Plantfinder's Guide to Garden Ferns" shows what I believe to be what Druery calls 'Fluctuosa Cristata' based on Druery and Kaye's descriptions. To confuse maters even more Casa Flora opted to give this fern the "new name" of 'Parsley'. The pinnae are ruffled out in curled waves giving a crispy appearance and the pinnae tips and blade apex are crested to varying degrees thus making each frond appear somewhat variable from its neighbor. The upright growth and small stature make this form ideal to tuck into the rock garden, or to use in containers. As with all crisped or congested forms the fronds snap easily and should be kept from pathways or under woody plants that drop heavy leaves or branches. Whatever moniker you choose to call this it is another tough performer for dry shade! 

Frond Condition: Sub-evergreen Mature Size: 6-12" Origin: England, Victorian era cultivar Cultural Requirements: Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, Dryish USDA Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9

This is what is known as a true Lineare with very slender reduced pinnules which develop beaded edges when the large sori overlap the sides to create a hard frizzled texture. Although this is a relatively tall grower the long-fingered crests at the pinnae tips impart a light airy effect. This form is a real mingler and needs the company of other bolder foliaged plants, such as hostas and solomon seal, to really be seen to advantage. The airy tracery of this form make it a highly valued subject for floral arrangements. Large clumps will produce fronds of several heights which will last for two to four weeks in clean water.

Frond Condition:  Sub-evergreen
Mature Height:  3-4'
Origin:  England
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones:  5,6,7,8,9

This has become one of my favorite ferns from the genus Dryopteris. Its new unfurling fronds emerge a brilliant orange-red that slowly evolves into a shiny olive-green, yielding all of the colors of fantastical dragons, from the golden underbelly to the fiery wing tips and nostrils! It has dark brown, almost blackish scales along the stipe. The habit is somewhat horizontally arching making the two foot frond length a perfect intermediate to blend with those new highly colored heucheras and tiarellas in the woodland garden. I first saw this in Martin Rickard's Shropshire garden in 1991 and was able to bring spores back and introduce it into the US market in my 1993 catalog. The species name literally translates from the Latin as "scaly foot fern," which, while descriptive, is not very inspiring.  I opted to dub this with the common name of 'Sunset Fern' in reference to its brilliant spring color so reminiscent of the Arizona sunsets where I grew up.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen

Mature Size:  2'

Origin:  Himalayas, Western China, Taiwan

Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Evenly Moist

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

Synonyms/Also Sold As: Dryopteris wallichiana subspecies nepalensis, Dryopteris wallichiana ‘Jurassic Gold’

This subspecies of Wallich's wood fern caused no end of confusion when I first grew it from spores collected in Martin Rickard's garden in 1991. It was labeled as D. lepidopoda in his collection at that time. I sent the samples of this sowing off to Dr. Barbara Hoshizaki as D. lepidopda and the identification she came back with was that it was D. wallichiana. We corresponded back and forth as I looked closely at the plant I had brought back from England labeled as D. lepidopda and she looked at the plants from the spores I had brought back. It wasn't until I sent her a second set of sporlings sown from spores grown from the D. lepidopoda I brought home as a plant that we finally sorted out the confusion and determined that it was most likely Dryopteris wallichiana subspecies nepalensis. The reason that this subspecies could be confused with lepidopoda is that it has a slightly orange cast to the newly emerging croziers and the fronds' surface is more lustrous, with the pinnae spaced further apart than on the typical form of wallichiana that has been in cultivation for so long. There is also a distinct difference between the length of the basal pinnae (lowest set of leaflets). To distinquish it from the other wallichiana in the trade I nick-named this form 'Molten Lava' due to the muddy orange new foliage reminiscent of cooling lava flows. It has recently been reintroduced to the commercial market by liner growers under the new name Dryopteris wallichiana ‘Jurassic Gold’, which is somewhat confusing as it usually displays more ochre, red and pink tones than yellow!           

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  3-4'
Origin:  Asia
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade. Evenly Moist
USDA Zones:  6,7,8,9

This fern was introduced to English gardeners in 1852 by Van Houtee, and named in honor of Dr. Von Siebold, who discovered it in Japan. The only other species name that has been used for this fern was the descriptive name D. podophyllum which referred to the fact that the lowest pinnae were stalked.  The bold, halberd-shaped fronds are reminiscent in their general shape and coloration of more tropical species, like Phelbodium pseudoaurem, but with a much greater degree of hardiness.  The broad frond segments have a matte texture and develop a blue-green hue as they mature, making this fern a standout eye-popper in the temperate garden. The prominent mid-veins add further dimension and the numerous sori, randomly scattered on the frond reverse, change from pale green to shiny black as they mature.  The broad fronds make it prone to sunburn, so it is best situated in part shade to full shade.  It performs particularly well in the deep, humid shade of the Southeastern United States and grows faster in warm, shady envrionments.  In cooler climates it is markedly slower, and performs best when given early morning light exposure followed by part shade throughout the day and light, even moisture. 

Frond Condition:  Evergreen to semi-evergreen

Mature Height:  Fronds 1-2', horizontally arching

Origin:  Japan, Aiwan, China

Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Lightly to Evenly Moist, Prefers warm humid environments

USDA Zones:  8, 9, 10

This is another form of the ever-popular Autumn Fern with one very slight difference: the spore casings on the backside of the fronds, known as sori, appear white instead of the typical red that is characteristic of D. erythrosora, and this is actually a subspecies that has had a cultivar name applied to it. This has become very popular in the trade, but the name is somewhat confusing as it suggests that somehow the color of the foliage is different or more intense than the traditional Autumn Fern, but this is not the case at all. It still sports the same intense pink, red and orange hues on the new growth when developing fronds are exposed to ample light, and literally the only discernible morphological difference is the color of the sori.

See description for D. erythrosora: A spectacular and reliable fern from Japan which more than lives up to its pseudonym with a sensational display of color. Exotic red to coppery-pink croziers unroll into pinkish honey-green fleshy fronds which mature to a rich leathery green. Cold weather brings a hint of russet to this peerless evergreen. As if all this display were not enough it produces bright red sori on the frond reverse in late summer. Most of the plants in the trade circulating as D. bissetiana, D. hondoensis, and D. purpurella are forms of D. erythrosora. They prefer anywhere from part sun to full shade and will develop better color with ample light exposure. However, they are not at all drought tolerant and prefer to stay evenly moist!

Frond Condition: Evergreen
Mature Height: 2-3'
Origin: Japan, Eastern Asia
Cultural Requirements: Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Evenly Moist
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

Our widespread U.S. Native, very adaptable to a wide range of conditions from alpine environments to coastal lowlands.

Frond Condition: Sub-evergreen

Mature Size: 2-3’

Origin: North America (U.S. Native)

Cultural Requirements: Part Sun to Full Shade, Moist to Dryish

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Synonyms/Also Sold As: Fiddlehead Fern, Ostrich Fern, Giant Ostrich Fern, King Ostrich Fern, Matteucia Struthiopteris 'Jumbo', Matteucia struthiopteris 'King'

Please note: Ostrich Ferns are deciduous and may be dormant or preparing to go dormant if shipped in the fall.

Unfurling fronds have a distinct plume-like quality and tend to be somewhat undulated, giving maturing fronds an Ostich-feather like appearance.  Although many ferns have edible croziers, the Ostrich Fern is one of the best since it has very tender new growth and relatively few papery scales.  To harvest them, simply prune off emerging croziers near the caudex (base) before the foliage begins to break free.  Run the fiddleheads under warm water and gently brush any papery scales off of the stems. Treat the fiddleheads like asparagus: they can be pickled, braised, broiled, baked or lightly sauteed.  Avoid overcooking them, as they are best with a little crunch.  It may be possible to harvest several rounds of fiddleheads from your ferns in the spring, but avoid over harvesting from a single fern; we typically like to leave at least one crozier from the first harvest for the fern to unfurl so it can gather energy to make more fronds.  Fortunately these ferns colonize, so in good conditions they will spread readily.  While this fern has been advertised by some growers as 'drought tolerant,' it is really not!  It will survive but go completely dormant if the summer is too hot and dry, and prefers shady, moist to extremely wet boggy conditions to be truly spectacular.

When Dr. John Mickel first visited my garden in 1980 and saw my colony of Matteuccia he was impressed with its size and the number of fertile bundles. Divisons were sent his way and in time this population became one of his offical favorites and was produced by a liner company, "Just for Starters," in Connecticut and dubbed 'Jumbo'. When that nursery was sold to Casa Flora the stock was passed along and for a while they assigned the name 'King' to this form, a name which it continues to be sold under.  I originally purchased this population of ostrich fern from a CA fern nursery in Fresno thirty years ago. Tom Wash, owner of Cailfornia Ferns, told me he had gotten his start from a local Japanese farmer. I always assumed that this was a typical Asian representative of ostrich fern. Recently John Micklt told me that Dr. Kato from Japan carefully examined it and says he has never seen anything like it in Japan, but its basal pinnae strongly resemble characteristics found in European specimens. Tom has long since disappeared form the fern scene so I cannot find out more particulars about the farmer that shared it with him. Despite the mystery surrounding its origins, it is safe to assume the original stock came from the Eurasian continent originally.  This is a particularly robust form with a very hefty caudex not unlike a low tree fern in aspect.  As far as I know no extensive chromosome analysis has been done on this fern, but I suspect it has a doubled chromosome, as it produces almost twice the number of fertile fronds and doesn't seem to form such intensely tight colonies as its American cousin, var. pensylvanica.  Many thanks to Casa Flora for making it possible for this fern to become widely available.

Frond Condition:  Deciduous; colonizing
Mature Height:  3-5'; colonizing
Origin: Asia
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, WET
USDA Zones:  2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, except in SE US (does not like heat with high humidity)

Notes: New croziers are edible!  Gently brush scales off under warm water and saute, broil or pickle like asparagus spears.

New item, extended description coming soon!

Cultivation Information:

Frond Condition: Wintergreen

Mature size: 18” long fronds, spread of approximately 2’

Origin: Europe and the U.K.

Cultural Requirements: Part Sun to Part Shade, Moist to Dryish; prefers a period of dry dormancy in the hot summer months. Epiphytic, prefers good drainage or site on slopes, trees, moss.

This is definitely one my favorite medium sized evergreen ferns for the woodland garden. There is a reptilian sheen to the olive-green linear-lanceolate fronds which blends subtly into the varied straw to chestnut colored scales cloaking the supporting framework. The individual pinnae consist of obtuse oval-shaped pinnules having a neat clipped look due to a slight edge curl punctuated with short spine-tipped accents. This fern should be a standard in every woodland garden.

Frond Condition: Evergreen
Mature Height: 2'
Origin:  Eastern India, southern China, Japan, Phillipines
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 5,6,7,8,9

This fern is particularly prevalent in the forests of the Western United States from Northern California to the Canadian border, and is often seen in the background of popular movies and television shows when a forest setting is called for.  Their large stature and ability to tolerate a variety of conditions, including high or low light levels and dry summers, make this an easy, low maintenance fern perfect for woodland settings.  Fronds can reach an impressive 4-5 feet or more and have an upright, vase-like habit.  Lime-colored new growth emerges in the spring and slowly fades to a dark, glossy, and very waxy forest green with cinnamon colored scales along the stipe and rachis.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Frond Length: 5' or more in ideal conditions

Origin: Western United States

Cultural Requirements: Some sun, Part Shade, Shade, Evenly Moist to Dryish

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8

This fern has the thick substance of the florist fern known as the Leatherleaf Fern and seems indestructible no matter what the winter brings. The stipe and rachis are heavily clothed with medium to dark brown scales and the fronds tend to array themselves in a slightly horizontally arching manner. The polished gloss of the surface becomes overlaid with a silver wash as the blades mature. The bipinnate bipinnate blade is broadly lanceolate becoming gradually acuminate at the apex with the pinnae echoing this pattern. The uppermost pinnule next to the rachis is an exaggerated oval overlapping the lower pinnule on the pinnae above making a most distinctive "long-eared" pattern. I dubbed it long-eared holly fern (with John Mickel's approval) after the long-eared owl of the Arizona desert where I grew up. This fern was orignally introuduced to local Northwestern gardeners by Sue Olsen of Foliage Gardens via spore exchange spores from a German fern enthusiast. It seems that I need to add a further comment regarding an identity crisis in the commercial trade. The wholesale grower that I passed this fern along to many years ago somehow lost or sold the original stock plants and replaced them with a similar looking species that I had shared with them also. Recently many nuseries that are offering neolobatum are actually selling Polsytichum sp. (formerly incorrectly labeled as squarrosum) or Spiny Holly fern. This Polsytichum was given to me by David Palmer who received it from Alan Leslie at Kew. I contacted Alan and he verified that the fern was from Yunnan, China. I have corrected the stock plant error but many flats were sold under the incorrect name before I caught the error. The so called Spiny Holly may in fact be the alpine form of neolobatum but thus far that identification is conjectural. There are a couple of characteristics that may help you determine which one you have. The pinnule edges of the Long-eared Holly are fairly flat compared to the slightly convex edges of the Spiny Holly. The final mature color of the former has a silvery sheen to it and the latter is a very deep blackish-green. There are other less easily detected differences but these are the easiest to spot. However just to throw an little more confusion into the mix Terra Nova Nursery markets this species as Shiny Holly instead of Spiny Holly. They did receive this fern from me and the first name had already been assigned to this species before they cleverly thought up a new one. I also see that the Great Plant Picks Program here in the Pacific Northwest has dubbed this the "Asian Sabre Fern" just to further confuse and complicate matters. Whichever one of these holly ferns you get both are equally stunning in the garden.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  24-30" (2 - 2.5')
Origin: Nepal, Himalayas, Tibet, Burma, China, Taiwan, Japan
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

This is a luxurious grower with lustrous midnight green fronds reverse to a subdued frosted green and the waxy fronds have a bright sheen than glows in the shade. The numerous parallelogram shaped pinnules (leaflets) are overlapping, and combined with the closely spaced pinnae (leaf segments), the effect is one of stunning beauty. One of the most beguiling features of this fern is in the development of the croziers. They begin their unfurling in a normal manner and then flip backwards in a lax droop or tassel fashion, hence the name “Tassel Fern”. Gradually they right themselves and continue with the normal frond development. This fern favors an evenly moist dappled shady site. It does tend to respond to early warming trends and may suffer from crozier die back but it will recover and send up more growth later.

Frond Condition: Evergreen Mature Height: 2' Origin: Japan, Korea Cultural Requirements: Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist USDA Zones: 6,7,8,9

The whole fern has a soft texture with attractively drooping fronds that makes a wonderful lace-like accent in the garden. The twice divided pinnae have distinctly stalked linear-lanceolate pinnules with soft bristly tips on the margins. Newly emerging growth is particularly attractive, as the unfurling croziers tend to arch down at the apex under their own weight, yielding a silohuette reminiscent of the “f scroll” on the neck of violins, violas and cellos. The unfurling tips are covered with a fine, downy, silvery-white layer of hairs that almost looks like fuzzy little buttons adorning the edges of the frond. Since this is a variable species in the wild our sporlings exhibit this same degree of variation in the size and shape of the pinnules (leaflets) as well as their spacing to one another, meaning the texture and overall look of these ferns can vary quite widely within the species. Although many cultivars and hybrids derived from this fern are proliferous and may produce bulbils (baby ferns) on the tip, base or center of the rachis, the original parent species P. setiferum does not. Found in the woodlands of Western Europe, these ferns are excellent performers in many temperate garden settings, tolerating everything from Moist Part Sun to Dry Full Shade.

Judith’s notes on nomenclature, synonyms, and other names this fern may be sold as:

I have noticed some nurseries offering a soft shield variety dubbed "angulare", however, this is redundant as that is an earlier specific epithet for setiferum and there has never been a variety of that name. Most likely the variety being sold as "angulare" is some sort of a divisilobe or P. setiferum cultivar and not P. setiferum. The common name so often mis-applied to this fern by unsuspecting growers is "Alaska fern", which is not a very appropriate name as P. setiferum is not well-adapted to the cold sub-arctic climate! There is a hybrid of P. braunii and P. munitum that occurs in Alaska called P. setigerum which this might be confused with (only by name, not appearance!) by those who do poor research or perhaps some lazy grower just felt that making up a name when in doubt would work for the unsuspecting customer. I have even seen forms of the soft shield fern referred to as "Icelandic fern." I have also seen this fern sold labeled as the hybrid Polystichum x dycei by some liner growers, which is very unfortunate and quite confusing, since P. x dycei is a distinctly different fern that makes is proliferous and makes bulbils on its rachis and has much glossier foliage than P. setiferum.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Size: 3-4'

Origin: Europe

Cultivation requirements: Some Shade, Full Shade, Partly Shaded, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8

This dwarf form of P. setiferum reaches a maximum size of about 12".  The densely compressed oblong-shaped pinnules of this compact soft shield fern show off against the layered papery brown chaff on the stipe and rachis reverse. The pinnae elaboration’s are suited to the whole and their apical complexity carves a valley down the frond center. The frond color is muted to a dusky grayish-green. Congestum forms tend to be somewhat brittle and should be kept away from traffic patterns.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  6-12"
Origin: Europe
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded to Full Shade, Evenly Moist to Slightly Moist
USDA Zones:  6, 7 ,8, 9

This old Victorian cultivar has been sold under many different names in the commercial trade, including "Alaska Fern," and "Icelandic Fern".  These names are a little misleading as this fern is strictly from the U.K. and has no affinity for extremely cold climes like Alaska!

Elegant supple fronds display a lacy pattern of intricate precision. The slender pinnules are divided into minute spine-tipped lobes from which character this fern takes its varietal name. Many of the finest divisilobes have a reclining habit where the fronds not only lie on a horizontal plane to the ground but they may also curve in a starfish like fashion. They can be most attractive ground cover when planted a foot or so apart. We painsakingly sort our ferns and separate out the best, most divided and most horizontally splayed specimens to sell as ture ‘Divisilobum’.

Some supposedly named forms available commercially are spore grown and will yield some good divisilobes but more often they revert to normal upright species variations. These will be sold as ‘Divisilobum type,’ since the divisilobe section covers various degrees of quality and can combine with other characters to yield further elaboration. The frond mid-ribs produce bulbils at their lower part and these can be induced to form young plants, affording a ready means of increase. This character is not unique to the divisilobes and the term "prolifeum", once considered a section in itself, is no longer applicable as a varietal name.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  12-30" (1 - 2 1/2')
Origin:  England
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones:  6, 7, 8, 9

Synonyms/ Also Sold As:  Mossy, Dense, or Plumose Soft Shield Fern

Historically there are a number of highly divided soft shield ferns known collectively as the plumose divisilobes which are now considered to be more characteristically plumose multilobes. The major differences between the sections concerns the shape of the pinnules, the texture, and the density of the foliage. The major contributors to our present day progeny of plumose-multilobes were bred in the 1880's and were known then as 'Plumoso-dvisilobum densum', 'Plumoso-divisiloubm Esplan, and 'Plumoso-divisilobum Pearson'. Although a few bulbil progeny may still be extant (see Rickard's "Plant Finders Guide to Hardy Ferns") from these forms, now considered to be in the plumose multilobe section, most of what we have todAy are from selected sporling progeny which in turn are producing bulbils for further vegetative production. Although each of the three named forms was distinctive in its day we can generalize as to the appearance of a good 'Plumoso-multilobum' today. Plants vary from slightly arching, to spreading, or almost horizontal in habit with the two foot fronds being a foot or more in width. The overall shape of the blade can be almost triangular in appearance and up to five times divided or "quinquepinnate" as the astute Charles Druery (famous Victorian author and grower) would say. The pinnae on the lower half of the fronds resemble fronds themselves with wide overlapping pinnules. The pinnules themselves are much exaggerated into wide triangular very divided segments. The overall texture is soft with the exuberance of growth building up into a dense mossy pile an inch or more in thickness. In comparison a true plumose divisilobe has wide overlapping growth that is more open and airy with a semi-hard texture. The pinnules are very long and fully divided up to the third and fourth degree but with space in between the segments.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  12-30"
Origin:  England
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8

This is a most handsome fern with durable leathery fronds of a lightly glaced green. The spine-tipped falcate pinnules (sickle-like leaflets) make the fronds slightly prickly to the touch and are a marvelous sight when viewed on a horizontal plane. This is a fairly slow growing fern which prefers filtered shade in moist, humus-rich conditions. I t has a slight skunky smell when the tender foliage is bruised. This is most noticeable when one grows a good sized crop but negligible with a small number of adult plants.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Height: 12-16””

Origin: Japan, China

Cultural Requirements: Part Shade to Full Shade, Evenly Moist

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8

A lovely, lacy selection of P. setiferum with a triangular blade and slightly overlapping pinnae, though slightly more open than plumosum types and not as finely divided as divisilobum types. As with other cultivars of P. setiferum it makes a wonderful addition to the woodland and border gardens and tolerates slightly dryish shade. Avoid excessive overhead moisture during the growing season as the lacy fronds can trap moisture and be susceptible to frond rot.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Origin: United Kingdom and Europe

Mature size: 2’, upright to slightly arching fronds

Cultural Requirements: Part Sun to Full Shade, Moist to Slightly Dryish

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8

The eastern equivalent of our Western Sword Fern, the Christmas fern is also evergreen, though not as large as the Western Sword Fern, and has stiff, waxy, lance shaped fronds arranged in a vase pattern. While it handles dry woodlands well it can be susceptible to crown rot in excessively wet environments.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Size: 1-2’

Origin: Eastern United States (U.S. Native)

Cultural Requirements: Part Sun to Full Shade, Lightly Moist to Dryish

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Stock Note: current specimens are in 4.5” pots

When we take these to plant sales, everyone wants to touch them, and yes, they are as soft as they look! This spikemoss forms brilliant green mounds of luscious frills that make an adorable addition to any fairy garden, and a perfect ground cover for moist shady locations. In hot weather it may be prone to bolting, which can cause elongation or die-back of sections, but it typically recovers once conditions cool down again. While it is soft and lovely, it is not designed to be walked on, so avoid areas with heavy foot traffic. This particular form spreads much more slowly than S. kraussiana ‘Aurea’ and ‘Gold Tips’.

Frond condition: Evergreen

Mature Height: mounding, 2 inches, horizontally colonizing

Origin: New Zealand

Cultivation Requirements: Part Shade, Shade, Evenly moist

USDA Zones: 7, 8, 9

The segments of this Chinese spikemoss tightly overlap one another in a feathery fanned out fashion reminiscent of the western red cedar native to the Pacific Northwest. The frond-like blades rise in an arching erect fashion from a creeping horizontal stem. The mature color is a dark green that becomes salmon-pink with cold or drought related stress. The best growing environment for this spikemoss is in dappled to full shade with ample moisture. It is an excellent colonizer near the edge of shady pools or on damp woodland pathways. I first saw this fern in the collection at NYBG on my first trip there in the early 80's. It was in nearly every pot they had from a Chinese expedition since the apical gemmae had liberally sprinkled themselves in nearly every pot. It graciously does the same in my temperate fern house and is often found from the floor to the trunks of the tree fern collection!

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  6-12"
Origin: Western China
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist
USDA Zones:  7, 8, 9, 10