Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Dryopteris championii
Champion's Wood Fern
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Non-flowering fern
- Foliage color
- Glossy, dark green, triangular fronds; new growth emerges bright green
- Bloom time
- Not applicable
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Low; evergreen fronds remain upright through winter; remove old fronds as needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Not applicable
About this plant
Dryopteris championii, commonly known as Champion's wood fern, is a semi-evergreen fern known for its gracefully arching, glossy green fronds. The fronds have a leathery texture and a slightly crinkled appearance, giving the plant a lush, layered look throughout the year. Unlike flowering plants, this fern reproduces via spores, which develop on the undersides of mature fronds.
Native to East Asia, including Japan and China, Dryopteris championii thrives in woodland settings where it adds structure and texture to shaded landscapes. Its resilience and adaptability make it a reliable choice for borders, underplanting trees, or adding depth to mixed fern collections. With its refined foliage and year-round interest, this fern is valued for bringing lasting greenery to both formal and informal garden designs.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Rain Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff
Design tip
Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
