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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Dryopteris erythrosora

Autumn Fern

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.

Light

Part shade to full shade

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Non-flowering

Find this plant

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.