Spinulose Wood Fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) is a native fern that provides old world woodland elegance to shade gardens. It has finely divided, lacy green fronds that are soft and elegant. The plant has a graceful, upright habit, and usually forms a clump about two feet tall. Its airy, layered texture makes it an excellent choice to mix with other shade plants.
In the spring, new fronds emerge with tight curls that slowly unfurl to show off their intricate texture and bright green color. These fronds stay lush and attractive throughout the summer, giving your landscape a natural woodland look and feel. In mild winter areas or protected locations, the Spinulose Wood Fern can stay semi-evergreen and maintain its texture year-round, offering structure even in the dormant season.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Spinulose Wood Fern is an easy plant to grow. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but can adapt to a wide variety of conditions if it is kept evenly moist. It's great for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized settings. After it's established, it is also low maintenance, only needing supplemental watering during extended periods of drought. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, so it can stay fresh and healthy without chemical interventions.