Dryopteris erythrosora, commonly known as Japanese Painted Fern, is a semi-deciduous fern native to the understory of deciduous forests in Northeast Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It typically grows to a height and width of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). This fern is noted for its striking fronds, which emerge with a coppery-pink tint and mature to a soft green with a silvery sheen. The fronds can exhibit various colors simultaneously, adding to its ornamental appeal. The Japanese Painted Fern has a clumping habit and produces triangular, arching fronds that can add texture and color contrast to shaded garden areas.

The Japanese Painted Fern is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to thrive in shady conditions, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and as an underplanting for larger shrubs. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and can be grown in containers or used as a ground cover. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if the soil is too wet. This fern is not known for being invasive and does not pose a threat when grown outside its native range. It is hardy and can tolerate cold winters, making it suitable for a variety of temperate climates.CC BY-SA 4.0