1 / 4

Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Dryopteris championii

Champion's Wood Fern

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Not applicable

Find this plant

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.