Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Dryopteris marginalis (L.) Gray
Marginal woodfern, Marginal fern, Marginal shieldfern
Dryopteridaceae (Wood Indies-Almond Family)
The broad, dark, leathery, twice-pinnate,
evergreen fronds of marginal wood
fern are from 1-3 ft. high and as much as 10 in. wide. They arise in vase-like circles from the rootstock, which has a 1 to 4 inch-high crown and sends out shallow, non-colonizing roots radially. Fiddleheads arise in spring and are golden brown and furry.
A well-behaved, non-colonizing
fern for the cool, eastern woodland landscape, this
fern never becomes aggressive. In snowy winters, it can be glimpsed protruding through blankets of snow, its blue-green coloration in stately contrast to the surrounding white.
Image Gallery:
2 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Fern Leaf Retention: Evergreen Size Notes: Normally about 20 inches tall, but can reach 3 feet
Leaf: Dark green
Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
ON Native Distribution: New England to e. Ont., s. to GA, TN, AR, e. OK, & e. KS. Eastern North America, Zones 5 to 7.
Native Habitat: Moist woods and ravines; Shaded, sandstone crevices; Rocky ledges
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), GL(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium , High
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, rocky, acidic, humus-rich soil. Tolerates lime.
Conditions Comments: This
fern likes an oak leaf winter cover. Rather sensitive to heat.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: An
evergreen, clumping
fern for cool eastern woodland landscapes
Use Wildlife: Provides cover for toads and lizards
Interesting Foliage: yes
2009-02-10
