Goldie’s Shield Fern
(Dryopteris goldieana)
Goldie’s Shield Fern (Dryopteris goldieana)
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© Evan M. Raskin
CC BY 4.0
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© Evan M. Raskin
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Evan M. Raskin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: eraskin | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dryopteris goldieana, commonly known as Goldie’s Shield Fern, is a robust, deciduous fern native to the rich, moist, deciduous forests and shaded ravines of eastern North America, including New Brunswick to Ontario and south to Georgia. It is one of the largest ferns in its range, with fronds that can reach six feet (1.8 meters) tall, and it forms a clump where all leaves emerge from a central point. The fronds are broadly triangular and the plant has a lush, green appearance. Goldie’s Shield Fern is notable for its size and the texture it adds to shaded garden areas.
This fern is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas. It prefers a moist environment with high humidity and soil rich in organic matter. While it requires protection from wind, it is relatively low maintenance once established in the right conditions. It is not known for significant pest or disease problems, but it can suffer from root rot if the soil is too wet. Goldie’s Shield Fern does not have aggressive roots and is not considered invasive. It is, however, important to note that it can hybridize with other Dryopteris species, resulting in larger hybrid plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
This fern is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas. It prefers a moist environment with high humidity and soil rich in organic matter. While it requires protection from wind, it is relatively low maintenance once established in the right conditions. It is not known for significant pest or disease problems, but it can suffer from root rot if the soil is too wet. Goldie’s Shield Fern does not have aggressive roots and is not considered invasive. It is, however, important to note that it can hybridize with other Dryopteris species, resulting in larger hybrid plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Rich, moist, deciduous forests and shaded ravines
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Dryopteris goldieana,
GBIF Accepted Name: Dryopteris goldieana (Hook.) Gray