Native Ferns

Fiddleheads emerging in the spring	Osmunda regalis Royal Fern	Dennstaedtia punctilobula Hay-scented Fern

Perennials A-E | Perennials F - L | Perennials M - R | Perennials S - Z |

Ferns | Grasses

Please note: we do not ship plants. We sell retail to the area only.

See notes on nativity at bottom of list. indicates host plants for butterflies and moths found in PA

Adiantum pedatum, Maidenhair Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

An elegant native fern with eye-catching black stems and nearly horizontal spreading banches. Under ideal conditions, Maidenhair fern will multiply to form a graceful colony. Excellent planted in masses or drifts.

Culture: Plant in shade to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter. Cover the rhizome of this fern with a few inches of compost every spring. Height: 18"h x 18"w.

Asplenium platyneuron, Ebony Spleenwort | PA Native | wide distribution

This native fern is widespread in PA, occurring often in disturbed forests. Its' semi-evergreen fronds are thin, with some being upright, and some lying flat on the ground. The common name refers to the dark spine of the fronds, and the traditional medicinal uses of the plant.

Culture: Plant in dry to moist conditions, in nearly full sun to nearly full shade. Tolerant of a range of soil conditions. Height: 6-15" h x w.

Athyrium felix-femina, Lady Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

Lady fern has beautiful, finely-textured foliage - but the plant itself is tough as nails. Lady fern will thrive in deep shade and difficult soil conditions, even when other ferns will not. Lady fern is brittle, and fronds can break easily, but new fronds emerge from spring through summer.

Culture: Lady fern performs best in full to part shade in moist, acidic soils with plenty of organic matter, but is also adaptable to more difficult conditions. Height: 2'h x w.

Dennstaedtia punctilobula, Hay-scented Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

A Berks County classic! Hay-scented fern easily forms large colonies of soft, delicate foliage - the perfect underplanting to woodland trees and shrubs. The foliage has a mild fragrance. A deer resistant fern, as well!

Culture: Plant in light shade in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter. Appreciates top dressing with organic matter. Height: 30"h x 18"w.

Dryopteris marginalis, Marginal Woodfern | PA Native | wide distribution

A native clump-forming fern that is semi-evergreen, very attractive, and can take just about anything you can throw at it - including clay and drought.

Culture: Plant in part to full shade in average soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Native to moist woods and clearings, rocky ledges, and shaded edges of forests. Height: 12-36" h x w.

Osmunda cinnamomea, Cinnamon Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

This is a tall, upright-growing fern that makes a bold statement in the garden. Its royal-looking foliage surrounds fertile fronds that resemble cinnamon sticks when mature. The fertile frond is gone by midsummer, but the striking foliage remains to add height and drama to the garden.

Culture: Prefers partial to full shade and moist, acidic soil. However, this fern is also tolerant of dry conditions once established. Height: 2-3'h x w.

Osmunda claytoniana, Interrupted Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

This is a beautiful native fern with a graceful, upright habit. This fern is distinct because of the smaller brown fertile fronds which "interrupt" the sterile fronds on mature stems. Interrupted fern is also the oldest fern in the fossil record - 200 million years old!

Culture: Plant in part shade to full shade in clay or loam soil that is relatively moist. Height: 1-4'h.

Osmunda regalis, Royal Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

Royal Fern is a great choice for wet areas along streams or ponds. This fern looks pretty distinctive, even to those who generally think all ferns look alike, because of its rounded and well-spaced leaves. Fertile fronds look like flowers atop this fern in late summer.

Culture: Plant in partial shade in moist to wet soil; will tolerate full sun if constantly moist. Height: 2-4'h.

Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

An evergreen fern with strongly upright, dark green glossy leaves. Very adaptable to different light levels and soil moisture - a real workhorse! Forms colonies and may be used as a groundcover. A very common fern in the woodlands in this area.

Culture: Plant in full shade to nearly full sun in any type of soil. Height: 18"-24"h x w. More images: covering a bank at Nolde Forest