Athyrium asplenioides

Southern lady fern is a 2-3 foot fern with lacy, broad deciduous leaves in the fern (Aspleniaceae) family and is native to central and eastern USA including NC. It is found growing in meadows, open thickets, moist woods, and occasionally in swamps and is often found in the understory of cedars, firs and hemlock woodlands. It spreads by underground rhizomes and will form a dense ground cover over time. The Genus name comes from the Greek athyros meaning "doorless" in reference to the slowly opening hinged spore covers. 

It is easily grown in sandy or clay loams in medium moisture to wet soil in part shade to full shade. It does best in dappled shade conditions. It will tolerate seasonal flooding, the full sun only if the soil is kept constantly moist and drier soils with regular watering. Divide clumps in spring every few years to reposition crowns at the soil level.

Use this plant as a ground cover for partial to shady moist areas in forests, along a stream bank, or at the edge of a woodland pond.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems. Shelter from wind to protect fronds from breaking. Fronds frequently become somewhat tattered in appearance by mid-summer.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.