Dryopteris campyloptera, commonly known as Mountain Wood Fern, is a semi-evergreen fern native to cool, moist, shaded forested areas, particularly in the understory of northern hardwood and mixed coniferous forests. It is found in higher elevations and latitudes across North America, including the Appalachian Mountains, northern New England, and parts of Canada. This fern typically grows above 3800 feet in West Virginia. It is a tetraploid species of hybrid origin, resembling Dryopteris expansa, and can reach a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) with a similar spread.

Mountain Wood Fern is appreciated for its lush, feathery fronds that provide texture and greenery to shaded garden areas. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. This fern thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil and prefers part shade to full shade conditions. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring little care once established, and is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. In cultivation, it is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0