Dryopteris marginalis

Also Known As

Eastern Wood Fern
Marginal Wood Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

4a-8b

More Options

Dryopteris marginalis plant details

Dryopteris marginalis is an evergreen fern with green foliage. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dryopteris marginalis

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Uses: container plant, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dryopteris marginalis

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dryopteris marginalis, commonly known as the marginal wood fern, is a cold hardy, evergreen, North American native fern that grows in non-spreading, vase-shaped clumps up to 24 inches tall and wide. The fronds are upright, lance-shaped, leathery, and green to grayish green. Low maintenance and easy to grow in evenly moist, well-drained soil. Use in the woodland, rock, native or wild garden planted en masse or as a specimen. Mixes well with other shade-loving perennials. Good fall and winter interest. Deer resistant. A Canadian native from Ontario to Newfoundland.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

The sturdy, leathery fronds of this winter-green fern form graceful clumps (1-2' tall; erect, outspreading at the top) that almost resemble a miniature palm tree!; a handsome fern all year! PSh-Sh/M,not dry

By: Forestfarm

Marginal Wood Fern thrives on dry rocky sites and seems nearly impervious to drought. The thick, leathery leaves stay green over winter, providing year round interest. Dryopteris marginalis prefers neutral to acid soils in full to light shade, and also grows in well-drained acid clay and in full sun. Excellent for stabilizing dry shaded slopes. Hardy to Zones 3-7.

By: Prairie Nursery

The most evergreen of our native Dryopteris, easily identified by the sori that sit on the pinnule margins, with handsome leathery glaucous green fronds, it prefers deep rocky pockets of leaf mould, but it will endure some dryness. A good choice for cut fronds it is the epitome of what most people want in a fern. I love the crowns in early spring before the crosiers start to unfurl, sitting there in an inward pointing ring of teeth, surrounded by the outward pointing spokes of last years stems (sensors to warn of approaching prey), the creature at the bottom of Jabba's sand pit comes to mind.