Athyrium filix-femina

Common Names

Lady Fern, Female polypody

Summary

Athyrium filix-femina, commonly called Lady Fern, is a deciduous fern native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It forms dense clumps with fresh-green, lacy, bipinnate fronds that have oblong-lanceolate leaflets and finely toothed margins; fronds reach about 0.5–1 metre in height and similar width, and sori lie on the undersides protected by indusia. Preferring shade and moist, rich, well-drained soils, Lady Fern tolerates a range of soils if moisture is adequate and is deer resistant. It reproduces by spores or by division in spring, forms clumps rather than spreading aggressively, and is suitable for shady borders, woodland edges, and areas near ponds or streams in garden settings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-36 inches

Spread

1.5-3.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full shade to partial shade; best in full to partial shade and will tolerate more sun only if the soil stays moist.

Soil Type

Moist, fertile, well-drained soil, neutral to acidic pH (4.5–6.5), enriched with leaf mould or compost

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Does not bloom in any season.

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow, 5–10 years to reach its ultimate height.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Autumn (Fall)

Propagation Methods

Spores, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, Attracts other pollinators, Attracts birds