Description
Scientific name: Athyrium filix-femina
Range: Keweenaw native
Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Soil: Loam
Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium
Benefits: Rabbit and Deer Resistant
Height: 12″
Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Color: Green fronds
Spacing: 6″ to 12″
Root: Rhizome
Why do they call it lady fern? Because it’s so well behaved! Unlike some woodland ferns (ostrich fern comes to mind), it does not spread aggressively, so you can expect it to stay put. Lady fern is also a beauty, with a classic shape and lacy leaves that pair well with broad-leaved plants like wild ginger and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Sheltering from the wind will keep the fronds from breaking. Unlike most ferns, lady fern can tolerate full sun if the site is moist.
Lady fern is deciduous and will drop its leaves with the first frost. It is rabbit and deer resistant.
