- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
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 Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Spreading |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Semi-Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Bright Lime Green |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: N/A |
Container Role: |
Uses: Containers, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Foliage Interest, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Wood Fern |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: DRYOPTERIS CARTHUSIANA |
- SKU:
- 1014039-pc
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.