Description
Dryopteris – Buckler Fern – Shield Fern – Wood Fern –
There are about 200 species of terrestrial ferns, in this genus. They occur mainly in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, where they grow in woodland, by stream or lakes, and among mountain rocks. Most are deciduous, or semi evergreen. Pinnate to 4 pinnate, sometimes pinnatisect fronds form shuttlecocks in most cultivated species. Spores are produced in kidney shaped sori. The foliage looks effective with most herbaceous plants and shrubs.
Grow in moist, humus rich soil in partial shade and a sheltered site. Divide mature plants in spring or autumn. Remove fading fronds regularly.
Prone to rust, leaf gall, and fungal spots.
D. affinis Polydactyla Group ‘Maplebeck’ – D. borreri Polydactyla Group ‘Maplebeck’ – D. pseudomas – Golden Shield Fern – Golden Male Fern – This virtually evergreen fern, grows 4′ feet tall and wide. It produces shuttlecocks of lance shaped, 2 pinnate or pinnatisect fronds with large fingered crests at the tips, broader than the fronds, pinnae are also finger crested, from an semi erect rhizome. Fronds are pale green as they unfurl in spring, in striking contrast to the scaly, golden brown midribs, they mature to dark green and often remain green through winter.
Zones 6-8
