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Dryopteris dilatata

Phonetic Spelling
dry-OP-ter-iss dy-lah-TAY-tah
Description

Broad Wood Fern is a vigorous deciduous to semi-evergreen fern native to western and central Europe. The attractive finely-cut fronds grow upright and outward from the crown. It generally grows 2-3 feet tall with a similar spread. 

Genus name from Greek dryas meaning oak and pteris meaning fern in reference to growing in woods of oak trees

Grow this fern in consistently moist rich soils in dappled shade and do not allow it to dry out. Use in a woodland or naturalized setting, as a foundation plant or shade garden. Tolerates full shade to partial sun.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Rust, leaf gall and fungal spots can occur.

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

More information on Dryopteris.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Crispa Whiteside
    Frilly frond tips
  • Jimmy Dyce
Crispa Whiteside, Jimmy Dyce
Tags:
#deciduous#shade garden#fern#rabbit resistant#deer resistant#drought intolerant#heavy shade tolerant#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Crispa Whiteside
    Frilly frond tips
  • Jimmy Dyce
Crispa Whiteside, Jimmy Dyce
Tags:
#deciduous#shade garden#fern#rabbit resistant#deer resistant#drought intolerant#heavy shade tolerant#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dryopteris
    Species:
    dilatata
    Family:
    Polypodiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe, Asia
    Distribution:
    Central and Western Europe, northern asia
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Heavy shade, This plant is seldom damaged by deer.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Fern
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
    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:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    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
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Broadly triangular fronds; 2-3 times divided; margins often turn under; basal pinnae are much longer on the basiscopic side; blade is deep, rich green; thin-textured. Frond midribs and stalks are covered with dark brown scales.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stalks are covered in brown scales
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Foundation Planting
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Heavy Shade
    Rabbits