One of the largest in the genus, this stately fern provides vertical structure and attractive foliage in summertime. In spring, watch adorable fiddleheads slowly unfurl and transform into light green fronds. This fern will spread slowly via creeping rhizomes to form robust clumps. But be warned! It may take one full season to recover from transplanting, so try not to change your mind about its final location in your garden too many times.
Conditions: Part shade to full shade; moist, rich soils
Size: 3' - 4' tall, 4' - 6' wide
Zone: 5 - 9
Wildlife Value: Deer resistant; larval host for several Herpetogramma moths; provides cover for ground-dwelling mammals and amphibians
Photo: Doug McGrady