Autumn Fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
Also listed as Dryopteris bulligera, Dryopteris sinoerythrosora
Also known as Japanese Buckler-fern, Japanese Shield Fern
Climate Match for your location
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Autumn Fern is a semi-evergreen fern prized for its copper-red new fronds that mature to deep green. It's a low-maintenance shade plant perfect for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Why grow it
Autumn Fern offers reliable color variation compared to many evergreen ferns, with its distinctive copper-red emerging fronds providing visual interest before they harden to green. It tolerates a wider range of moisture and light conditions than some woodland ferns, making it adaptable to dry shade under established trees where competing root systems limit water availability. The semi-evergreen habit means it provides year-round structure while requiring minimal fertilizer or pest management typical of other ornamental ferns.
Watch out for
In warmer climates where winters are mild, this fern may retain more foliage than expected, potentially becoming too dense without periodic thinning. Like many ferns, it prefers consistent soil moisture during establishment, so newly planted specimens may need supplemental watering during hot, dry spells rather than thriving immediately in difficult sites. Fronds can accumulate dust in indoor or sheltered situations, which may affect appearance and photosynthetic efficiency.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
Native Range
China, Japan, Taiwan
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Autumn Fern is a semi-evergreen fern prized for its copper-red new fronds that mature to deep green. It's a low-maintenance shade plant perfect for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Autumn Fern grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Autumn Fern offers reliable color variation compared to many evergreen ferns, with its distinctive copper-red emerging fronds providing visual interest before they harden to green. It tolerates a wider range of moisture and light conditions than some woodland ferns, making it adaptable to dry shade under established trees where competing root systems limit water availability. The semi-evergreen habit means it provides year-round structure while requiring minimal fertilizer or pest management typical of other ornamental ferns.
Watch out for
In warmer climates where winters are mild, this fern may retain more foliage than expected, potentially becoming too dense without periodic thinning. Like many ferns, it prefers consistent soil moisture during establishment, so newly planted specimens may need supplemental watering during hot, dry spells rather than thriving immediately in difficult sites. Fronds can accumulate dust in indoor or sheltered situations, which may affect appearance and photosynthetic efficiency.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
Native Range
China, Japan, Taiwan
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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