Ferns Every Master Gardener Should Know

Northern maidenhair ferns, Adiantum pedatum, grow as ‘shoes and socks’ groundcover at the base of a tulip tree.

Native Ferns

Adiantum pedatum, Northern maidenhair ferns

Adiantum capillus-veneris, Southern maidenhair fern

Asplenium platyneuron, Ebony Spleenwort

Athyrium filix-femina, Lady ferns

Onoclea sensibilis, Sensitive ferns

Onoclea struthiopteris, Ostrich ferns

Osmunda spectabilis, Royal ferns

Osmundastrum cinnamomeum, Cinnamon fern

Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas ferns

Woodwardia areolata, Netted Chain ferns

Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ remains evergreen through the winter. New fronds emerge in shades of copper througout the season. Deer and rabbits ignore it.

Non-native Ferns

Athyrium niponicum, Japanese Painted ferns

Cyrtomium fortunei, Fortune’s Japanese Holly Fern

Cyrtomium falcatum, Japanese Holly Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora, ‘Brilliance’, Brilliance Autumn fern

Polystichum polyblepharum, Korean Tassel Fern

Virginia chain fern, Woodwardia virginica

All photos by E. L. McCoy

For the Love of Ferns: Solutions for Our Garden’s Challenges

Christmas Ferns: A Small Step Towards Climate Solutions

Evergreen Ferns Brighten Winter Gardens

Fabulous Ferns for Every Garden

Unraveling the Mystery of Growing Ferns from Spores

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