Dryopteris cristata

Common Names

Crested Wood Fern, Buckler Fern, Crested Woodfern

Summary

Crested Wood Fern is a perennial, rhizomatous fern with dimorphic fronds: evergreen sterile fronds stay green through winter while taller fertile fronds die back in winter, forming a rosette. Fronds are twice pinnate with a green, narrowly lanceolate blade; the stipe is scaly at the base, and fertile pinnae are twisted out of the plane of the blade. Sori lie midway between the midvein and the margins, and the indusia lack glands. Native to North America and Europe, it grows in swamps, swampy woods, and wetlands, with a preference for moist soils. Cultivation favors shade to partial shade and moist, acidic to neutral soils; it tolerates sun in a light, sheltered position. Propagation by division or by spores supports easy propagation, making it suitable as groundcover in shade and wetlands or near ponds and streams. Hardy to US zone 4–8, it is commonly available commercially and deer-resistant, with maintenance that includes removing faded fronds and dividing crowded clumps.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-36 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-7b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade; best in a shady position with 2–3 hours of sun per day, and tolerates Partial Shade to Full Shade and Full Sun with ample moisture.

Soil Type

Moist, loamy soil that drains well (slightly acidic to neutral pH)

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-7, mildly acidic to neutral soil

Bloom Time

It does not bloom.

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

All four seasons

Propagation Methods

Spores, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts none of bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, or birds