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Phegopteris

Phonetic Spelling
fay-GOP-ter-iss
Description

Beech ferns are members of the Thelypteridaceae (marsh fern family).  The scientific name is derived from the Greek phegos (beech) and pteris (fern). These ferns are native to the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe and Asia. Most prefer north temperate and boreal climates. 

One of the unique characteristics of this fern genera is that the sori do not have an indusium.

Like many ferns, beech ferns are low maintenance plants that prefer moist, organically rich, well-drained, acidic soils and grow well in part to full shade. They can be propagated by dividing rhizomes or culturing the spores.

Beech ferns make excellent understory accent plants in wooded, shade gardens.

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

Quick ID Hints:

  • Fronds: deciduous, triangular blade, bottom leaflets turn down, fertile and sterile fronds may appear similar
  • Pinnae: pinnate - pinnatifid
  • Sori: are located near the margins of the pinnae and they lack an indusium

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Phegopteris decursive-pinnata, Phegopteris hexagonoptera
Tags:
 
Deciduous leaves of Phegopteris hexagonoptera turning brown
Phegopteris hexagonoptera, signs of early fall deciduous transition David K Walmer CC BY-NC 4.0 Download Image
sori of Phegopteris hexagonoptera without indusia
sori of Phegopteris hexagonoptera, note absence of indusium David K Walmer CC BY-NC 4.0 Download Image
young green foliage of Phegopteris hexagonoptera in spring
Phegopteris hexagonoptera in the spring David K Walmer CC BY 4.0 Download Image
sterile frond of Phegopteris hexagonoptera without sori
Phegopteris hexagonoptera, sterile frond David K Walmer CC BY-NC 4.0 Download Image
Phegopteris hexagonoptera
Phegopteris hexagonoptera David K Walmer CC BY 4.0 Download Image
immature green sori of Phegopteris hexagonoptera
Phegopteris hexagonoptera, immature sori, note absence of indusia David K Walmer CC BY-NC 4.0 Download Image
Cultivars / Varieties:
Phegopteris decursive-pinnata, Phegopteris hexagonoptera
Tags:
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Phegopteris
    Family:
    Thelypteridaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Northern Hemisphere, northern temperate, borreal
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Fern
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Creeping
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    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
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Rock Wall
    Slope/Bank
    Woodland
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Diseases
    Heavy Shade
    Insect Pests
    Rabbits
    Squirrels