Fern - Lady Fern - 2 Gallon

Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern) is a graceful native fern with bright green finely divided fronds that arch outward in a classic fountain form. It thrives in moist shady woodlands and provides a lush textural element in native gardens and shaded borders.

Height & Spread: 18 - 30 in x 18 - 24 in

Bloom Time: Non flowering

Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade

Soil Preference: Moist, rich, well drained soil

Watering Needs: Moderate; appreciates regular moisture

Deer Resistance: Deer tolerant but occasionally browsed

Native Status

This species is native to North America and found throughout woodland areas, streambanks, and damp forest understories.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Beneficial Insects

• Provides habitat for ground beetles and springtail populations essential to healthy forest floor ecosystems.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations:

• Space 18 - 24 in apart for naturalistic groupings or to combine with other shade plants.

Landscape Placement:

• Useful in woodland edges, moist borders, and as a structural base for wildflower shade gardens. Looks best in masses or drifts under tree canopy.

Companion Plants

• Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) - Adds height and dramatic white flowers above fern layers.
• Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Offers broad leaves and low ground coverage below fern foliage.
• Mitella diphylla (Bishops Cap) - Produces delicate white spring blooms in similar shade habitat.
• Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) - Brings seasonal lavender color in forested settings.
• Carex pennsylvanica - Complements the fine texture of Lady Fern with a native sedge ground layer.