Athyrium filix-femina

Lady Fern

Handsome crowns of feathery fronds are typical of Lady Ferns. Delicate and lacy with arching fronds and feathery texture, Athyrium filix-femina is a strong-growing and dependable garden plant. Tough and easy to grow, this beauty is the right choice for perennial borders and woodlands alike. A breathtaking flush of new fronds appears in the spring, with new leaves appearing throughout the season for a continuously fresh look. Lady fern is tolerant of drought, but survives by allowing foliage to die back until the next season.

Benefits

	Easy to grow
	Spreads in moist soils
	Green all summer
	Soft texture

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in part to full shade. Tolerates sun if the soil stays moist.

Prefers well-drained soil with average moisture, but this fern tolerates drier soil than other ferns.

Shelter from wind to protect fronds from breaking.

If fronds become tattered, cut them to the ground and new fronds will emerge.

Height 18-24 Inches

Spread 2-3 Feet

Native Range Lady fern is found in swamps, thickets and damp woods; Newfoundland and Quebec to the Dakotas, south to Texas and Florida. Distribution Maps by State and County

Native Trivia The lady fern was one of the most popular indoor plants in the Victorian Era. Almost every house had at least one, if not more, containers housing lady ferns at that time. Grizzly bears and elk use lady fern as a food source in the wild.

USDA Hardiness Zone 2-8

"Lady Fern provides cover and nesting material for birds and small mammals."

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Low Perennials	Exposure • Filtered Shade • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade • Shade	Soil • Acidic • Wide soil tolerance • Humus-rich	Soil Moisture Preference • Moist • Moist but well-drained
Attracts Wildlife • Songbirds • Mammals • Amphibians • Reptiles	Habitat Collection • Songbird	Native Habitat • Riparian, wetland • Forest	Foliage Color • Green
Uses • Mass plant • Border • Naturalizes • Container • Bog, water garden