Lady fern, with its finely cut leaves, provides interesting texture to shady areas. It can also be used in sunny areas, but consistent watering is then required.
This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
- Family (English) Shield Fern
- Family (botanic) Dryopteridaceae
- Tree or plant type Ground cover, Perennial
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Medium plant (12-24 inches), Large plant (more than 24 inches)
- Light exposure Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Season of interest early spring, mid spring, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer
- Shape or form Arching, Mounded
- Growth rate Moderate
