Dryopteris expansa (Spreading Wood Fern)
Dryopteris expansa (Spreading Wood Fern) is a deciduous fern forming an upright tuft of finely divided, broad, triangular, dark green fronds from a scaly rhizome. Round and pale green, the sori are located on the underside of the leaflets. The erect or ascending rhizome often produces offshoots, which may be divided. Well-behaved and non-invasive, Spreading Wood Fern is an elegant species that is well suited to massing in a woodland garden where its fine-textured, lacy leaves can be admired.
Dryopteris expansa (Spreading Wood Fern) is a deciduous fern forming an upright tuft of finely divided, broad, triangular, dark green fronds from a scaly rhizome. Round and pale green, the sori are located on the underside of the leaflets. The erect or ascending rhizome often produces offshoots, which may be divided. Well-behaved and non-invasive, Spreading Wood Fern is an elegant species that is well suited to massing in a woodland garden where its fine-textured, lacy leaves can be admired.
- Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, moist well-drained soils.
- This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, or woodland gardens.
- Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Native to Asia, Europe, Japan, and North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Ferns |
| Plant Family | Dryopteris – Ferns |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |