Hondo Wood Fern or Pastel Autumn fern

This fern is similar in outline and general appearance to Dryopteris erythrosora, the Autumn Fern, except the frond is a soft dull green and the new croziers a pastel yellowy-pink. Barbara Hoshizaki notes in her Fern Growers Manual that it has a thinner leaf texture and short-stalked pinnae, and is also cold hardier than the Autumn Fern, tolerating winter temperatures down to USDA Zone 4!

Years ago I ended up with a mystery fern, for which I received at least two different identifications from botanists. It initially got assigned a collection/possible new species/cultivar number, Dryopteris sp. (JJDRY1001), but now it seems very likely that is was a particular variety of Dryopteris hondoensis. Whatever its identity does finally rest at it, is a welcome addition to the woodland garden with its colorful new growth pale and horizontally arching habit!

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Size: 2-3'

Root Type: Creeping rhizomes that form offshoots

Origin: Japan, Korea, China, and Eastern Asia

Cultural Requirements: Part Shade to Full Shade, Evenly Moist

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