Plants in genus dryopteris
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica, known as the autumn fern, is a drought-tolerant, evergreen clump-forming plant with lacy leaves. The dark green foliage emerges cinnamon-red and produces new plantlets along the leaf edges. This fern is ideal for woodland shade gardens, adding a touch of color and texture to shaded areas.
Dryopteris tenuicula
Dryopteris tenuicula is a clumping fern with arching dark green fronds that emerge bright cinnamon red in spring. It is considered one of the most beautiful ferns in cultivation.
Dryopteris bissetiana 'Sichuan Splendor'
Dryopteris bissetiana 'Sichuan Splendor' is a deer-resistant wood fern found at high elevations in Sichuan, China. It forms a 1-foot tall by 2-foot wide evergreen clump with impressed spores on the back of its fronds. This plant is suitable for shade gardens and is known for its resilience in dry conditions.
Dryopteris polylepis
Dryopteris polylepis is a deciduous clumper found in mountainous forests from Honshu to Shikoku. It features 3-foot long arching fronds forming a 3-foot wide clump, with dark black scales on the stem, similar to D. crassirhizoma.
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' is a selected form of autumn fern known for its brighter red new growth. It forms a 2-foot wide clump and is deer-resistant, thriving in a wide range of garden conditions. This fern prefers rich, evenly moist soil and light shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata Martindale'
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata Martindale' is a deciduous male fern known for its easy growth and unique fronds that end in tiny crests. It forms clumps 2 to 3 feet wide, making it a striking addition to moist woodland gardens. This fern was discovered during the Victorian fern craze and serves as a stunning accent alongside hostas and lighter foliage. It thrives in part sun to shade and is resistant to rabbits, making it a low-maintenance choice for shade gardens.
Dryopteris pseudofilix-mas
Dryopteris pseudofilix-mas is a robust garden fern native to Mexico and Guatemala, known for its large, semi-evergreen fronds that persist until spring. It is easy to grow and produces new fronds throughout the season, making it a versatile choice for shaded or partially sunny areas.
Dryopteris tavelii
Dryopteris tavelii is a hybrid fern that forms a deciduous clump similar to its parent species, D. filix-mas. This fern is well-suited for shaded areas and can thrive in both dry and moist conditions. Its European origins make it a versatile addition to gardens seeking a touch of classic fern foliage.
Dryopteris commixta
Dryopteris commixta is an easy-to-grow, evergreen Asian fern known for its shiny, erect, dark green fronds. The black-stemmed croziers unfurl in spring, highlighted at the base by black "fur." This plant reaches 2 feet in length and thrives in light shade. It is ideal for cottage gardens and shaded areas, providing year-round interest with its evergreen foliage. Dryopteris commixta is a versatile addition to any garden, offering texture and color in shaded landscapes.
Dryopteris bissetiana 'Jinfoshan Giant'
Dryopteris bissetiana 'Jinfoshan Giant' is a semi-evergreen fern with wide green fronds that have a bronze tint. It forms a compact clump about 15 inches tall and 2 feet wide, making it deer-resistant and suitable for shaded gardens. This fern is slow-growing but easy to maintain, originating from spores collected in China's Chongqing Province.
Dryopteris complexa
Dryopteris complexa is a semi-deciduous fern native to Europe and the US, known for its drought tolerance once established. It forms a moderately lacy-textured mound, making it a great companion to the robust female fern. This hybrid of D. affinis and D. filix-mas thrives in part sun to shade and is well-suited for dry shade gardens. Its resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture to their landscapes.
Dryopteris complexa 'Stableri Crisped'
Dryopteris complexa 'Stableri Crisped' is a semi-evergreen hybrid male fern with narrow, medium green fronds and crinkled leaves. It grows to about 2 feet tall and is best used in small groupings. This fern thrives in light shade to full shade and is suitable for dry shade gardens.
Dryopteris marginalis 'Franklinstein'
Dryopteris marginalis 'Franklinstein' is a dwarf, evergreen fern native to woodlands and rocky slopes. It forms a compact clump 14 inches tall and 20 inches wide, and is drought-tolerant. This fern is well-suited for shade gardens and adds a touch of greenery to dry, shaded areas.
Dryopteris lacera 'Korean Lace'
Dryopteris lacera 'Korean Lace' is a semi-evergreen Asian fern that forms an 18-inch tall by 30-inch wide clump of lacy green foliage. It grows at elevations between 6,000 and 8,000 feet and is suitable for light shade gardens, adding a touch of elegance with its delicate fronds.
Dryopteris xanthomelas
Dryopteris xanthomelas is an evergreen fern native to the moist valleys of the Himalayas, thriving at elevations of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. It has a slightly lacier appearance than Dryopteris marginalis and prefers rich, moist, compost-laden soil. This fern is heat-tolerant and can thrive as far south as central Texas.
Dryopteris bissetiana 'Jinfoshan Dwarf'
Dryopteris bissetiana 'Jinfoshan Dwarf' is a semi-evergreen fern with wide green fronds and bronze coloration. It forms a slow-growing 2-foot tall and wide clump, thriving in evenly moist soil.
Dryopteris separabilis
Dryopteris separabilis is a robust, evergreen fern that forms a deer-resistant clump with wide, glossy, medium-green leaves. It is a naturally occurring hybrid and thrives in environments near swampy habitats. This fern is well-suited for shade gardens and can tolerate a range of light conditions from part sun to light shade.
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Barnesii'
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Barnesii' is a deer-resistant deciduous fern with narrow fronds and an upright growth habit. It features square pinnules and grows well in both acidic and slightly alkaline soils. This fern is suitable for part sun to shade conditions, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.