Photo of Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata' foliage by Krzysztof Golik

Photo by Krzysztof Golik

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Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata'

Also Known As

  • Dryopteris felix-mas 'Cristata'
  • Cristata Crested Male Fern

Plant type

fern

size

  • H: 18"-36"
  • W: 12"-18"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata' plant details

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata' is a semi-evergreen fern with green foliage. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata'

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 18 IN - 36 IN - tall
Uses: container plant, unique, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Zn 4. Crested fronds. Fast grower. Deciduous.
A regal, deciduous, wood fern...robust upright shuttlecock shape 2-4’ high. Handsome fronds are crested and forked at tips. Quite drought tolerant once established but ideally enjoys woodland compost and regular moisture in part shade to shade. Lives happily under trees and mixes well with others. Cut back old fronds in late winter to best enjoy the fresh new fronds.
Attractive mid green crested & crisped fronds up to 3 feet long w/ upright shuttlecock like shapes. Plant in nearly full shade to nearly full sun. Height: 3 feet. Zones 4-9. Semi-Evergreen.

Gardening facts about Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata' plant

How to Grow Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata'

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Dryopteris for your garden

aka Dryopteris atrata, Dryopteris cycadiana 'Shaggy Shield', Black Wood Fern, Shaggy Shield Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 24"-42"

Width: 12"-24"

  • bright shade - shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Dryopteris cycadina foliage by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Barnes' Male Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • mostly sun - shade
  • even moisture - occasional
Photo of Dryopteris filix-mas 'Barnesii' foliage by plant lust
View Plant

aka Dryopteris Leptapoda, Sunset Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"-24"

  • dappled shade - shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Dryopteris lepidopoda foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Dryopteris dilatata 'Recurvata', Broad Buckler Fern, Dryopteris dilatata Recurved Form, Recurved Broad Buckler Fern, Recurved Wood Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'-4'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
Photo of Dryopteris dilatata (recurved form) foliage by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

aka Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 18"-30"

Width: 2'-3'

  • bright shade - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Dryopteris erythrosora foliage by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

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