Eastern Marsh Fern

(Thelypteris palustris subsp. pubescens)

Eastern Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris subsp. pubescens)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Thelypteris palustris subsp. pubescens image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Thelypteris palustris subsp. pubescens, commonly known as Eastern Marsh Fern, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in wetland habitats such as bogs, swamps, and marshy woodlands primarily in the Eastern United States. It is also found in similar wetland habitats in Japan and Northern China. This fern typically reaches a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters), featuring a clumping growth habit with multiple fronds emerging from a central point.

The Eastern Marsh Fern is appreciated for its lush green fronds that provide texture and interest in water garden settings and boggy areas. It is an excellent choice for naturalizing in wetland restoration projects or for use in rain gardens due to its high water requirement and tolerance for standing water. The fern prefers partial to full shade rather than full sun, which ensures the fronds remain vibrant and do not scorch. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring consistently moist to wet soil conditions and benefits from the addition of organic matter to the soil. While it does not produce showy flowers, its fronds contribute to the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems, offering habitat for various wildlife species. Gardeners should be aware that in ideal conditions, it can spread vigorously, potentially becoming aggressive in small garden spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 2.5-3 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Slow, Standing

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to bogs, swamps, and marshy woodlands in the Eastern United States, Japan, and Northern China

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Thelypteris palustris subsp. pubescens, Thelypteris palustris var. pubescens, Thelypteris palustris f. pubescens, Thelypteris thelypterioides, Thelypteris palustris var. haleana, Dryopteris thelypteris var. pubescens, Dryopteris tremula, Nephrodium thelypteris f. pufferae, Dryopteris thelypteris var. haleana

GBIF Accepted Name: Thelypteris palustris subsp. pubescens (G.Lawson) Fraser-Jenk.