Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Dryopteris erythrosora
Autumn Fern
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Height
- 18 to 30 inches
- Width
- 18 to 30 inches
- Flower color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- New fronds emerge copper-red, maturing to glossy deep green
- Bloom time
- Non-flowering
- Light
- Part shade to full shade
- Water
- Medium
- Maintenance
- Low; remove faded fronds regularly
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Not known to attract wildlife
About this plant
Dryopteris erythrosora is an elegant deciduous to semi-evergreen fern admired for its colorful fronds. The new growth emerges in shades of coppery pink to bronze in spring, gradually maturing to glossy deep green as the season progresses. While ferns do not produce flowers, the plant's vibrant and textured fronds offer visual interest throughout much of the year, with the warmer tones particularly evident in its early growth.
Native to East Asia, including regions of Japan, China, and Korea, Dryopteris erythrosora thrives in shaded woodland settings. Its adaptability and unique foliage coloration have made it a favorite for adding texture and seasonal color to shade gardens, borders, or containers. This fern is well-suited to temperate climates and complements a wide variety of companion plants.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums · Hostas
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 at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
