Lady Fern

(Athyrium filix-femina)

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Athyrium filix-femina, commonly known as Lady Fern or Common Ladyfern, is a deciduous perennial fern native to a wide range of habitats including damp, shady woodlands, forest clearings, and stream banks throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere, as well as Central and South America. It typically grows to a height of 3 feet and a width of 1-3 feet, featuring large, feathery, light green fronds that provide a delicate texture in the garden. Lady Ferns are one of the more common ferns in their native habitat, where they contribute to the understory plant community and thrive in moist, humus-rich soils.

Lady Fern is valued for its ease of maintenance and adaptability to various garden settings, making it a popular choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also used for its ornamental foliage, which can be quite showy when planted en masse. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and well-drained soils with rich organic matter. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. Lady Fern is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a safe choice for most gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 2-5 feet
  • Width: 1-2.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Damp, shady woodlands, forest clearings, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Ladyfern, Lady Fern, Subarctic Ladyfern, Lady-Fern, Female Fern, Fjerbregne, Wald-Frauenfarn, Waldfrauenfarn, Soreahiirenporras, Fougère Femelle

Scientific Names: , Athyrium filix-femina, Athyrium felix-femina, Aspidium filix-femina var. fissidens, Athyrium filix-femina var. fissidens, Athyrium filix-femina subsp. rhaeticum, Athyrium filix-femina var. dentatum, Athyrium filix-femina f. rubellum, Athyrium filix-femina var. bidentatum, Asplenium filix-femina var. fissidens

GBIF Accepted Name: Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth