Dryopteris filix-mas

The Male Fern is a deciduous fern in the wood fern family (Dryopteridaceae).  Native to Europe and North America in the northern temperate regions.  In North America, it grows in cool, moist, rocky woods.  In Europe, it grows in various locations, including woodland understories and shady places on rocks, screes, and banks.  The genus name is Greek for oak and fern because the species are often found around oaks.  The specific epithet means male fern.

The erect fronds are 3’ tall and occasionally 4’.  Allow 4’ between plants. Even though it prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich soil in shade to full shade, it adapts to various conditions other than dry soil.  Strong winds can damage the fronds if not sheltered. Propagation by division or spores.

The fern tolerates deep shade, rabbits, deer, and clay soil.  It received the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, which indicates it is robust, hardy, and easy to grow.  The fronds are a showy dull green and turn coppery in the fall.

Plant as a specimen or mass planting in woods, naturalized areas, and shade gardens.  Use in borders or as underplanting of shrubs.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems.

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

More information on Dryopteris.