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Gymnocarpium dryopteris (L.) Newman

Northern oak fern, Western oakfern

Dryopteridaceae (Wood Indies-Almond Family)

Synonyms: Dryopteris dryopteris, Thelypteris dryopteris, Phegopteris dryopteris

USDA Symbol: GYDR

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This small colony-forming, woodland fern grows 6-10 in. Its delicate fronds are triangular in outline and divided into deeply cut threes.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.

Distribution

USA: AK , AZ , CO , CT , ID , IL , IA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MT , NH , NJ , NM , NY , ND , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , UT , VT , WA , WV , WI , WY
Canada: BC , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Circumboreal, s. to upland VA, IA, NM, AZ & OR
Native Habitat: Cool, mossy or rocky woods & stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: This is an excellent ground cover for moist, shaded places. It spreads quickly and is easy to establish and maintain. Dies down in fall.

Propagation

Description: Most easily propagated from rhizome pieces.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Gymnocarpium dryopteris in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Gymnocarpium dryopteris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gymnocarpium dryopteris

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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