Scaly Male Fern

(Dryopteris affinis)

Scaly Male Fern (Dryopteris affinis)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Dryopteris affinis image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Dryopteris affinis, commonly known as Scaly Male Fern, is an evergreen to semi-evergreen fern native to western and central Europe, including the British Isles. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including deciduous woodlands, hedge banks, and shaded rocky areas. This fern typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet and a width of 3 feet. It features arching fronds with scales on the stems and at the base, giving it the ’scaly’ moniker. The fronds are pinnate to bipinnate and have a rich, dark green color. Older specimens can develop a dense, almost tree fern-like base up to 20–30 cm (8–12 in) high and 30–40 cm (12–16 in) broad. Flowering is not applicable to ferns, but the mature fronds’ appearance from spring to autumn provides visual interest.

Scaly Male Fern is valued for its lush foliage and robust form, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and ferneries. It is also used to create a naturalistic or woodland feel in gardens. It prefers moist, humus-rich soil and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are well-drained. While it does best in full to part shade, it can tolerate some sun if the soil remains moist. It is generally low maintenance but may require protection from slugs and snails. There are several cultivars available, such as ’Cristata’ with crested fronds and ’Pinderi’ with pinnae that are deeply lobed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Deciduous woodlands, hedge banks, and shaded rocky areas in western and central Europe, including the British Isles

Other Names

Common Names: Golden-Scaled Male Fern, Guldskæl-Mangeløv, Schuppen-Wurmfarn Oder Spreuschuppiger Wurmfarn, Spreuschuppiger Wurmfarn, Dryoptéris Écailleux, Geschubde Mannetjesvaren, Raggträjon

Scientific Names: , Dryopteris affinis, Dryopteris borreri, Dryopteris filix-mas var. affine, Nephrodium filix-mas var. affine, Aspidium affine, Aspidium filix-mas var. setosum, Aspidium filix-mas var. trapezoides, Dryopteris filix-mas var. distans, Dryopteris paleacea var. rubiginosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Dryopteris affinis (Lowe) Fraser-Jenk.