Marginal Wood Fern
Dryopteris marginalis
Also listed as Aspidium marginale, Aspidium marginatum
Also known as Marginal Fern, Marginal Shield Fern, Leather Wood Fern
Climate Match for your location
See how well Marginal Wood Fern grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Marginal wood fern is a native deciduous to semi-evergreen fern with dark green, leathery fronds that form attractive mounding clumps. It thrives in shaded woodland gardens and prefers consistently moist soil with organic matter.
Why grow it
Marginal wood fern offers reliable performance in deep shade where many ferns struggle, and its semi-evergreen habit provides winter interest in temperate woodlands. Compared to ostrich fern or lady fern, it tolerates drier conditions once established, making it useful for sites with inconsistent moisture. The leathery fronds are notably pest and disease resistant, reducing management needs in naturalized plantings.
Watch out for
This fern spreads slowly by rhizomes and may take several seasons to fill a space, so initial spacing should account for mature size. In hot climates or very dry microclimates, even established plants benefit from supplemental water during extended dry periods. Dense planting or poor air circulation can occasionally encourage fungal issues, though this is uncommon with proper site selection.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Marginal wood fern is a native deciduous to semi-evergreen fern with dark green, leathery fronds that form attractive mounding clumps. It thrives in shaded woodland gardens and prefers consistently moist soil with organic matter.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Marginal Wood Fern grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Marginal wood fern offers reliable performance in deep shade where many ferns struggle, and its semi-evergreen habit provides winter interest in temperate woodlands. Compared to ostrich fern or lady fern, it tolerates drier conditions once established, making it useful for sites with inconsistent moisture. The leathery fronds are notably pest and disease resistant, reducing management needs in naturalized plantings.
Watch out for
This fern spreads slowly by rhizomes and may take several seasons to fill a space, so initial spacing should account for mature size. In hot climates or very dry microclimates, even established plants benefit from supplemental water during extended dry periods. Dense planting or poor air circulation can occasionally encourage fungal issues, though this is uncommon with proper site selection.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.