Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern

General

A graceful and delicate fern native to temperate regions worldwide. It features finely divided, lacy fronds that emerge from a central crown, creating a feathery appearance that can reach up to three feet in height. Lady fern thrives in moist, shaded woodlands and is prized for its ornamental value in garden landscapes.

Plant Description

Presents finely cut fronds that unfurl in a graceful, symmetrical pattern from a central crown. Its delicate leaflets are light green and lance-shaped, giving the fern a feathery and airy appearance. Lady fern's slender, arching fronds can grow up to three feet tall, adding a soft and elegant texture to shaded gardens and woodland landscapes.

Height (ft)
3'

Soil moisture
Moist

Soil types
Loamy, sandy soils with good water retention

Wetland indicator
FAC

Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Partial to Full Shade

Spread (ft)
1-3'

Drought tolerance
Low

Salinity tolerance
None

Anaerobic tolerance
Low

Range

Common in the northeastern and northwestern regions, as well as parts of the Midwest and Appalachian Mountains, where conditions are suitable for their growth.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, this fern has been used as an infusion of the stems for body pains, as a decoction of the smashed stems or roots for childbirth pains. The new shoots and rhizomes were used as food. Many other medicinal uses documented as well.