We received this fern under the name Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’, but are still working toward a positive identification for it, as we have sometimes seen D. affinis ‘Crispa Barnes’ mislabeled with this name. If it truly is the cultivar ‘Crispa’, it should reach a mature size of about 12”, rather than the 2-3’ size that ‘Crispa Barnes’ ultimately reaches.

The compact fronds have a slight ruffled character to them, and like other Golden Scaled Male Ferns it is quite adaptable to a variety of garden conditions from part sun to full shade, moist to dryish.

Frond condition: Semi-evergreen

Mature Size: 12” (if it is actually ‘Crispa’ and not ‘Crispa Barnes’)

Root Type: Central Crown or Caudex, clumping

Origin: UK and Western Europe; selected cultivar

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

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8