Shieldfern Dryopteris

Wood ferns are members of the polypody family (Polypodiaceae). The native range of this genus is cosmopolitan, found throughout North America and on every continent except Antarctica. The genus name is compounded from the Greek words, Dryo-, meaning “woods,” and -pteris, meaning “fern.”

These ferns love to grow in shade, but they can tolerate partial sun. They prefer moist, rich, well-drained woodland soil. A few species are found in swamps, but most do not require wet habitats. 

Several species are native to North Carolina, including dixie woodfern (Dryopteris x australis), log fern (Dryopteris celsa), intermediate fern (Dryopteris intermedia), southern woodfern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) and marginal woodfern (Dryopteris marginalis).

The wood fern grows tall and can be grown in woodland and shade gardens. 

Quick ID Hints:

• rachis and costa exhibit continuous grooves on their upper sides
• indusium is kidney-shaped
• sori are centrally located on the pinnae
• stipes have scales

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