Woodwardia japonica, commonly known as Japanese chain fern, is a perennial herbaceous fern native to moist, shaded forest environments in East Asia, specifically in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and parts of China. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and equally wide, with broad, arching fronds that create a lush, prehistoric appearance. The fronds are bright green and can reach up to 1 meter in length, with a distinctive chain-like pattern of sori on the undersides, which are reproductive structures containing spores.

Japanese chain fern is valued for its ability to thrive in damp, shady conditions where other plants may struggle, making it an excellent choice for creating a verdant ground cover in woodland gardens or shaded borders. It is also used to stabilize soil in riparian zones. This fern prefers consistently moist soil, high humidity, and can tolerate a range of soil types provided they are well-draining. It is best grown in part to full shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to slug and snail damage. Japanese chain fern is not known for being invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0