Description
Woodsia ilvensis – Rusty woodsia – This dwarf, tufted, terrestrial or rock dwelling fern from the artic, Europe and North America grows 6” tall and 4” wide. In early spring, produces lance shaped to oblong, pinnate, dull green fronds, to 6” long, each composed of 7-25 pairs of ovate to lance shaped, lobed pinnae, clothed with reddish brown hairs and scales.
Zones 2-6
Woodsia –
There are approximately 25 small, tufted, deciduous, terrestrial or rock dwelling ferns in this genus. They occur naturally in temperate and sub artic regions, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. They have erect, short rhizome, and pinnate to 2 pinnate fronds, with the pinnae sometimes pinnatifid. Sporangia are in cup shaped indusia, which have often deeply cut fringes. Suitable for a shady rock garden.
Grow in sharply drained but moist, fertile soil in partial shade. Position crowns above soil level and surround with small stones. Divide when dormant.
