Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina

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Type

Trees, Shrubs, & Vines

Forbs & Flowers

Grasses, Sedges, & Rushes

Conditions

Sun

Shade

Wet

Dry

Land Use

Obligate Wetland Plant almost always occurs in wetlands.

Facultative Wetland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Facultative Plant occurs both in wetlands and in non-wetlands.

Facultative Upland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Obligate Upland Plant almost always occurs in non-wetlands.

This species prefers shady, moist conditions; however it tolerates drier soils than many other ferns. Will tolerate full sun if soil is kept constantly moist. Shelter from wind to protect fronds from breaking. Lady fern will spread, but very slowly. Divide clumps in spring every few years to reposition crowns at the soil level. Dies back completely in the winter.

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Details

Plant Type

Forbs & Flowers

Conditions

Shade

Wet

Native to Kentucky?

Native to Kentucky

Land Use

No Wetland Tolerance Never occurs in wetlands.

Project Uses

Bioswale / Rain Garden / Green Dry Basin

Riparian Restoration

Tendency to Spread

Medium

Height (ft)

1-3

Fall Showy?

Flowering Time

n/a

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate Tolerance