Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Far Reaches Farm

Show all photos

Buy Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis'

Also Known As

Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Congesta'
Dwarf Crisped Golden Scale Male Fern
Dwarf Crisped Male Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 6"-12"
W: 6"-12"

planting zones

4a-9b

3/4 gallon pot-bare root | $10

USPS Priority Mail shipping rates

35 at Sebright Gardens

3.5" | $14

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

1 gallon bagged root ball | $19

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total

30 at Gossler Farms

More Options

Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' plant details

Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' is an evergreen fern with green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - 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 affinis 'Crispa Gracilis'

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Uses: container plant, dwarf, miniature, terrarium plant, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis'

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

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Small 6” evergreen fern. They make very small versions of our bigger ferns.

By: Gossler Farms

Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Congesta’ is a charming dwarf evergreen Fern displaying a neat and tidy habit. The bright green, short, twisted fluffy fronds mix well with Spring bulbs in the border.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Extreme texture on this wavy-gravy, dwarf Golden Scaled Male Fern! Pinnules are seriously curved on fronds reaching a mere 5-8" tall (semi-evergreen); place it where it can be appreciated close up…or plant a colony! Pots, rock gardens, woodland in shade

By: Secret Garden Growers

An excellent fern for the miniature garden that is just SO pretty! The heavily serrated leaves have the cutest curls on the ends. Stays small too! Can also be grown in a terrarium environment apparently. Fantastic pewter-green color. Lovely curls on the ends that charm. Semi evergreen. Can be grown in a terrarium. Often mistaken for D. a. 'Crispa congesta'. Semi-evergreen, clip away deteriorating branches in early spring. Should remain mostly green once in place. Mature height is 5 to 8 inches. Hardy to zones 5 through 9. Part or full shade, dappled shade. Keep soil evenly moist, do not let it dry out. Comes in a 4" pot

By: Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center

Evergreen upright, very curled & crumpled & fastigiated forest green dwarf fern suggestive of a miniature conifer; Favorite foreground fern. Plant in partial sun to full shade & well drained soil. Zones 4 to 8. Height: 12" tall.

By: Sebright Gardens

This is an evergreen dwarf with dense fronds and pinnae twisted at the tips. Grow 1' x 1'.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Dwarf fern, to only 6-10" tall, perfect for the rock garden or shady spot in the garden. Fronds are semi-evergreen and very dark, a bit crispy and a bit curled, and very handsome for a small tike. Even does well in an indoor terrarium. Best in rich soil, in part to full shade where summer water is regular. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.

By: Cistus Nursery

This little guy is built like a fireplug as my pappy used to say. Nice dark green congested fronds on a very stout and rugged plant. Generally evergreen in our area and creating interest beyond the limits of its size. Easy to please and ideally suited to the smaller garden.