Southern Lady Fern Athyrium asplenioides

Southern lady fern is a deciduous fern in the Spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). It is native to the central and eastern USA, including North Carolina  It is found growing in meadows, open thickets, moist woods, and occasionally in swamps and is often found in the understory of cedar, fir or hemlock woodlands. The genus name comes from the Greek athyros meaning "doorless" in reference to the slowly opening, hinged spore covers. The species epithet means “like Asplenium,” a related genus of ferns.

The Southern Lady fern grows 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 can take full sun only if the soil is kept constantly moist. It will tolerate seasonal flooding and drier soils with regular watering. Southern Lady fern grows in neutral to acid pH soil.

This fern has lacy broad fronds 2 to 3 feet long. It spreads by underground rhizomes and will form a dense ground cover over time. Divide clumps in spring every few years to reposition crowns at the soil level.

Use this fern as a ground cover for partial to shady moist areas in forests, along a stream bank, or at the edge of a woodland pond. It also can do well in naturalized, water, shade, and rain gardens. 

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.