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Shield Fern Dryopteris carthusiana

Other plants called Shield Fern:

Phonetic Spelling
dry-OP-ter-iss kar-thoo-see-AY-nuh
Description

This native fern is easy to grow and grows naturally in swamps and wet woods in full or partial shade.  

It can be propagated by division or spores.  Once the receptacles on the underside of the frond become dark and the membranes open, a fine, black powder will be released.  The fronds will now be fertile.  Place them in an envelope and store near a light bulb for several days to dry out any moisture.  Sift out any debris and store the spores in a cool, dry location.

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

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  This plant is relatively pest and disease free.  

More information on Dryopteris.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Deck Planting
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#easy to grow#shade garden#fern#rabbit resistant#NC native#deer resistant#native fern#wet soils tolerant#heavy shade tolerant#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#easy to grow#shade garden#fern#rabbit resistant#NC native#deer resistant#native fern#wet soils tolerant#heavy shade tolerant#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dryopteris
    Species:
    carthusiana
    Family:
    Polypodiacea
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Temp. Northern Hemisphere
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Heavy shade, This plant is seldom damaged by deer or rabbits.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Fern
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruits. This plants reproduces via spores.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Erect, vase-shaped clump of glossy, dissected arching fronds; rhizome and stipe are light brown; blade is narrowly oval to triangular and bipinnate pinnatifid; has lower pairs of triangular pinnae; taper towards the tip; fronds turn yellow in fall; no glandular hair on blade.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Near Septic
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Heavy Shade
    Rabbits
    Wet Soil