Clinton's Wood Fern

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-4 Feet

Mature Spread

2-4 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Dryopteris clintoniana, commonly known as Clinton's wood fern, is made for the shade. It has large dark-green fronds that are lance shaped. The pinnae of the fronds are slightly twisted, giving this fern a unique lacy texture. This fern is easy to grow and guaranteed to add interest to any shady corner.

Clinton's wood fern is a naturally occurring hybrid between crested wood fern and Goldie's fern that grows in swampy woodlands. It grows to 2 - 4 feet high and spreads to 2 - 4 feet wide. The larger erect fronds are fertile and deciduous, and the smaller prostrate fronds are sterile and evergreen. It is exceptionally cold hardy to zone 3 and rabbit resistant. Group these ferns in a woodland garden to add texture and lushness, or grow them in a container as a filler or single specimen.

Clinton's Wood Fern Care

Plant this fern in part to full shade for best performance. It prefers consistently moist soil and thrives in boggy soil. Water regularly during the summer, and do not let the soil dry out. Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release formula, and mulch around the base of the fern with compost rich in organic matter. 

Clinton's wood fern does not require pruning. Leave the foliage over the winter to protect the crown from snow and frost. In the spring, you can cut off the older fronds to allow room for new growth. 

Clinton's Wood Fern Spacing

Space Clinton’s wood fern approximately 4 feet apart for mass planting. This fern can be grown successfully in large containers. Make sure to size up the container every year to accommodate the growing root ball.

Product Images Courtesy of David Strang via Wikipedia