This tall native fern has a vase-shaped form with beautifully textured foliage. A great native groundcover for shady spots, providing a soft landing habitat for pupating moths and butterflies.
Pollinator Type
Caterpillars
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Zone
3 to 7
Height
3 to 6 ft.
Spread
5 to 8 ft.
Light
Shade, Partial Shade
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil, Wet Soil
Bloom Color
NA
Bloom Time
NA
Design Considerations
Requires at least part shade. Avoid overly windy and exposed sites.
Care and Maintenance
Best in rich soils with consistent moisture but can grow in average soil conditions with regular watering. Spreads by rhizomes to form dense colonies, especially in preferred conditions.
Pest and Diseases
No major issues
Establishment and Propagation
Plugs or division of mature plants in early spring as fiddleheads emerge.
Commercial Availability
Commonly available
Alternative Plant Selections
Cinnamon Fern
Native Status
Illinois native; northern Illinois
Fall Color
Foliage can turn golden in fall
Growth habit
Vase-shaped clump-forming fern
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
