Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Dryopteris filix-mas
Male Fern
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Height
- 2 to 4 ft
- Width
- 2 to 4 ft
- Flower color
- None
- Foliage color
- Medium to dark green arching fronds
- Bloom time
- Not applicable
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Medium to moist
- Maintenance
- Low, remove old fronds in late winter or early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Dense clumps of fronds offer good ground-level cover for small wildlife
About this plant
Dryopteris filix-mas is a deciduous male fern with green fronds that unfurl in spring to form an upright clump. Each frond ends in narrow, finger-like tips, giving a softly crested look. Fronds remain in good condition through summer, then die back in late autumn, leaving a low crown until new growth returns in spring.
This cultivar does not bloom; instead, from summer into early autumn, rows of round sori develop on the undersides of mature fronds, releasing spores. The textured fronds and clear seasonal rhythm suit woodland borders, shaded paths, and naturalistic plantings where graceful foliage and seasonal change are appreciated.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Rain Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Epimediums · Hostas · Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal · Lungworts · Wild ginger
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.
