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brittle bladderfern

brittle bladderfern

Cystopteris fragilis

perennial⛅ part shade💧💧 moderate waterZone 2a – Zone 8b

A delicate, low-growing fern with finely divided, bright green fronds that emerge in spring and fade in autumn. It thrives in cool, shaded spots with consistent moisture and is excellent for rock gardens, walls, and woodland settings.

Overview

Form
Mounding
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
0.33–1.5′ tall × 0.5–1.5′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 2aZone 8b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 2a to Zone 8b

Seasonality

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia)

Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Function & Care

erosion controlwildlife benefit

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, division