Common Name
Marginal wood fern
Evergreen wood fern
Evergreen wood-fern
Evergreen woodfern
Leather wood fern
Marginal shield fern
Marginal shield-fern
Marginal woodfern
Scientific Name
Dryopteris marginalis
Ground Cover
No
Evergreen
Yes
Plant Form
Fern & Fern Allies
Max Height (ft)
3.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Additional Info
Habitat: Woodland fern which is most often found in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs. Does not spread; hardy. It prefers moist, rich, humusy, acidic soils with protection from wind.
Wildlife value: It provides year-round cover near the ground. Deer will browse the plant, but it is seldom damaged by deer. Its parts are used in songbird nest construction.
Notes: Evergreen fern which typically forms a non-spreading, vase-shaped clump to 1.5-2' (infrequently to 3') tall. Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Tolerates Heavy shade
Light Requirements
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Grassland Species
No
Riparian Buffer Species?
No
Deer Resitant
No
Low Maintenance
Yes
Climate-smart plant
No
Good Choice for Public Spaces
No
Recommended for
Tolerates
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
No
Supports Pollinators
No
Carries Live Plant (may not be in stock)
Species-specific links