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Athyrium filix-femina

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Kemper Code:  B630

Common Name: lady fern
Zone: 4 to 8
Plant Type: Fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Missouri Native: Yes
Native Range: Northern temperate regions
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 2.5 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering  
Bloom Color: Non-flowering
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Easily grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Tolerates drier soils than many other ferns. Will tolerate full sun, however, only if soil is kept constantly moist. Shelter from wind to protect fronds from breaking. Divide clumps in spring every few years to reposition crowns at the soil level.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This deciduous lady fern is a Missouri native that typically occurs in wooded valleys along streams, on rich wooded slopes and on floors of ravines. Light green, finely-divided fronds grow up to 3' long.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

No serious insect or disease problems. Fronds frequently become somewhat tattered in appearance by mid summer.

Uses:

Attractive when planted in the woodland or shade garden.

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More photos:
Photo: Walters Gardens, Inc.
High resolution image available.
Photo: Walters Gardens, Inc.
High resolution image available.