Description

Dixie wood fern is a naturally occurring, mostly sterile hybrid fern, a cross between natives D. celsa and D. ludoviciana. It is a clumping fern with arching fronds. Height: 4-5 ft. Spread: 2-3 ft. Spreads by: rhizomes Family: Dryopteridaceae Sun: part shade to full shade Water: medium Deer and rabbit resistant Ferns prefer well-drained soil high in organic matter. Most ferns require a moist, shady spot to grow. Many need plenty of moisture during the growing season and should be given an inch or more of water per week if not supplied by rains. Mulch with leaves or aged hardwood bark in the spring and fall. Fern foliage provides food for many butterflies and moths during their caterpillar stage. photo credit: David J. Stang