Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Wood Fern, Toothed Wood Fern, or Dryopteris carthusiana, is a deciduous fern with coarsely cut, triangular, lime-green fronds that have dark brown petiole scales along the frond stems and the lower part of the midrib. These finely-textured leaves have the appearance of delicate, natural lace because of their intricate structure and heavily-toothed leaf edges. Wood Fern grows from 2 to 3 feet tall with an equal spread. These chartreuse beauties remain green all year, especially in areas with mild winters.
A Native of Europe, Asia, and North America, the Wood Fern has a clumping, vase-like, symmetrical growing habit. It can tolerate even bog and swamp conditions, and is a very reliable, hardy, and low-maintenance option for both new and seasoned gardeners. Wood Fern are deer and critter resistant and rarely bothered by pests and disease. They attract butterflies and are often used by florists for greenery in bouquets and arrangements.
Wood Fern Care
Wood Ferns grow best in rich, humusy soils with lots of organic matter. They are relatively tolerant of dry shade, but will thrive with consistently moist soil. They prefer partial to full shade and may need protection from harsh winds, especially before reaching maturity.
Trim back old fronds to the ground in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins.
Wood Fern Spacing
Wood Fern is beautiful as a single specimen, or grown en masse in shady woodlands and wild gardens in need of texture and depth. They make a great option for septic planting and work well in areas with high moisture. They pair perfectly with heucheras and hostas, and should be spaced 20 to 24 inches apart from center to center at planting.
Wood Fern Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Part Sun (3-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Spreading
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Bright Lime Green
- Foliage Type
- , Semi-Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Wood Fern
- Botanical Name
- DRYOPTERIS CARTHUSIANA
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!