Broad Buckler Fern

(Dryopteris dilatata)

Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata)

Andra Waagmeester

Public Domain

Image By: Andra Waagmeester

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Dryopteris dilatata, commonly known as Broad Buckler Fern, is a semi-deciduous to deciduous fern native to temperate forests, often found in damp, shady areas throughout Europe and parts of Asia, including Japan. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming a lush, dense clump of triangular fronds that are broad and arching. The fronds are a vibrant green color and have a leathery texture, contributing to the plant’s ornamental value. The Broad Buckler Fern does not produce flowers but is valued for its foliage, which adds texture and greenery to shaded garden areas.

This fern is appreciated for its adaptability and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and as ground cover under larger trees. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, it does best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. The cultivars ’Crispa Whiteside’ and ’Lepidota Cristata’ have been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating their exceptional performance in gardens. Potential problems include pests such as aphids and diseases like root rot if the soil is too wet. It is also important to note that while the Broad Buckler Fern is not invasive, it can spread through spores and establish new plants nearby.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

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

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

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, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Temperate forests, often found in damp, shady areas throughout Europe and parts of Asia, including Japan

Other Names

Common Names: Mountain Wood Fern, Broad Wood Fern, Broad Buckler-Fern, Bredbladet Mangeløv, Breitblättriger Dornfarn, Breiter Wurmfarn, Breitblättriger Wurmfarn, Etelänalvejuuri, Dryoptéris Dilaté, Geittelg

Scientific Names: , Dryopteris austriaca, Dryopteris dilatata, Polystichum spinulosum subsp. dilatatum, Dryopteris spinulosa var. dilatata, Dryopteris austriaca var. austriaca, Dryopteris austriaca var. dilatata, Aspidium spinulosum subsp. dilatatum, Aspidium spinulosum var. dilatatum, Polystichum corbierei

GBIF Accepted Name: Dryopteris dilatata (Hoffm.) A.Gray