Description

Thick black stems arising singly from a fast-creeping rhizome. Fertile and sterile fronds are similar. Fronds are leathery, broadest in the middle and dark-green turning bronze in the fall. Height: 2-4 ft. Spread: 2-3 ft. Family: Blechnaceae Sun: part shade to full shade Water: medium to wet 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. Height: 1.5-2 ft. Spread: 1-1.5 ft. Spreads by: rhizomes Family: Blechnaceae Sun: part shade to full shade Water: medium to wet 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: Robert H. Mohlenbrock