Dryopteris, Ferns, Native Plants

Dryopteris marginalis

Posted on Feb 18, 2021Share on

Marginal Woodfern, Marginal Shield-fern - Dryopteris marginalis 4
Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/

Common Name: Marginal Woodfern, Marginal Shield-fern

1 ½-2 feet tall by 1½-2 feet spread. Prefers part shade to medium shade but tolerates heavy shade; medium moisture level; rich, humusy soil; prefers moderately acid to neutral pH but tolerates slightly alkaline pH.

Maintenance: Low. Likes oak leaf winter cover and rather sensitive to heat. Can propagate by root division.

Growth/Colonizing Habit: A non-colonizing fern that never becomes aggressive.

Foliage: Evergreen

Native Region: East Tennessee and lightly in Middle Tennessee

Elegantly shaped, evergreen fronds that form a vase-like clump. Excellent as a specimen plant or in groups. Prefers the rocky soil of higher elevations and cooler temperatures of a north facing slope. Needs protection from wind. Occurs naturally in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs.

Marginal Woodfern, Marginal Shield-fern - Dryopteris marginalis 3
Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center http://www.wildflower.org/
Marginal Woodfern, Marginal Shield-fern - Dryopteris marginalis 2
Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center http://www.wildflower.org/
Marginal Woodfern, Marginal Shield-fern - Dryopteris marginalis
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia http://www.wikipedia.org

Questions? Email us at tnsy@utk.edu or contact your local County Extension Office.

Graphics credit, Katie Walberg.

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