While most native ferns are deciduous, the stately Marginal Wood Fern is evergreen, adding texture and interest to the winter garden. This fern also distinguishes itself from other native ferns with its lovely, vase-shaped form and clumping habit. On the undersides of the fronds of this fern (most ferns, really), you’ll find sori. What are sori, you ask? Sori are the spore-producing structures typically found on the underside of fern fronds and often help with fern identification. On this particular fern, sori are found along the edges or margins of the undersides, hence the name Marginal Wood Fern.
Conditions: Part shade to full shade; medium to moist soils
Size: 1.5’-2’ tall; 1.5’-2’ spread
Zone: 3 - 8
Wildlife Value: Provides shelter for songbirds and other wildlife
Photo: Leonora (Ellie) Enking