Virginia Chainfern
(Anchistea virginica)
Virginia Chainfern (Anchistea virginica)
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Laura Clark
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Laura Clark
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Laura Clark | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Laura Clark | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-06-01T13:05:05Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Anchistea virginica, commonly known as Virginia Chainfern, is a deciduous fern native to swampy areas, marshes, and wet woodlands in the Eastern United States. It can reach up to 4 feet (120 centimeters) in height and is characterized by its widely spaced, single fronds that emerge from long, creeping, scaly rhizomes. The fronds are bright green and add a delicate, feathery texture to the garden landscape.
Virginia Chainfern is valued for its ability to thrive in wet, shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for water gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA Zone 3, indicating its tolerance for cold climates. While it is not commonly used, it can serve as an ornamental in shaded garden beds or as a naturalizing plant in appropriate conditions. It requires consistently moist to wet soil and does best in part shade to full shade. This fern is relatively low maintenance but may need protection from strong winds due to its tall fronds.CC BY-SA 4.0
Virginia Chainfern is valued for its ability to thrive in wet, shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for water gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA Zone 3, indicating its tolerance for cold climates. While it is not commonly used, it can serve as an ornamental in shaded garden beds or as a naturalizing plant in appropriate conditions. It requires consistently moist to wet soil and does best in part shade to full shade. This fern is relatively low maintenance but may need protection from strong winds due to its tall fronds.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to swampy areas, marshes, and wet woodlands in the Eastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Virginia Chain Fern
Scientific Names: Woodwardia virginica , Anchistea virginica , Blechnum virginicum , Anchistea virginica f. fertilis , Blechnum banisterianum , Blechnum carolinianum , Doodia virginica , Lorinseria thelypteroides , Woodwardia bannisteriana , Woodwardia thelypteroides
GBIF Accepted Name: Anchistea virginica (L.) C.Presl