Coastal Woodfern
(Dryopteris arguta)
Coastal Woodfern (Dryopteris arguta)
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Brook
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Brook
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Brook | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Brook | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-26T20:15:44Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dryopteris arguta, commonly known as Coastal Woodfern, is a semi-evergreen fern native to the understory of coastal forests, canyons, and moist, shaded slopes in the Western United States and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) with a similar spread. Coastal Woodfern has a clumping habit with upright to arching fronds that are somewhat variable in appearance. The fronds are pinnately compound with leaflets that may turn at an angle from the rachis, giving the fern a ruffled or lacy look. The toothed leaflets often have bristles at their tips. This fern does not produce flowers, but its sori (spore-bearing structures) are found on the underside of the leaflets and are covered by a kidney-shaped indusium.
Coastal Woodfern is appreciated for its lush, green foliage and adaptability to a range of light conditions, making it suitable for shaded gardens, woodland settings, and as an understory plant in larger landscapes. It is drought-tolerant once established and can be used as a ground cover or accent plant. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-draining soils with rich organic matter. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be propagated by division. While it is not prone to serious pests or diseases, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Coastal Woodfern is appreciated for its lush, green foliage and adaptability to a range of light conditions, making it suitable for shaded gardens, woodland settings, and as an understory plant in larger landscapes. It is drought-tolerant once established and can be used as a ground cover or accent plant. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-draining soils with rich organic matter. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be propagated by division. While it is not prone to serious pests or diseases, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Native to the understory of coastal forests, canyons, and moist, shaded slopes in the Western United States and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Coastal Wood Fern
Scientific Names: , Dryopteris arguta, Aspidium rigidum var. argutum, Dryopteris rigida var. arguta, Aspidium argutum, Dryopteris arguta f. bella, Dryopteris arguta f. cristata, Dryopteris arguta f. flocculosa, Dryopteris arguta f. nudata, Filix rigida var. arguta
GBIF Accepted Name: Dryopteris arguta (Kaulf.) Watt.