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. erythrosora – Autumn Fern – Japanese Shield Fern – This usually deciduous fern from Eastern Asia grows 18-24″ tall and 12-15″ wide. From slow creeping rhizomes it produces a tuft of triangular, 2 or 3 pinnate fronds, 10-24″ long, these are copper-red when young, slowly turning slightly shiny, dark green. Undersides of fronds bear conspicuous masses of red sori, midribs are green. A striking border fern, grow in a protected, moist site.
Zones 5-9
