agronom.info agronomy portal
Wood fern
Reference · Crops

Wood fern

Dryopteris

The Wood fern (Dryopteris), a member of the Dryopteridaceae family, is a diverse genus of ferns found primarily in temperate forests. These plants are characterized by their robust rhizomes and large, pinnate fronds that form elegant rosettes in the landscape.

52 items

What the section contains

Aiton's wood fern Dryopteris aitoniana Ardeche shield fern Dryopteris ardechensis Azores wood fern Dryopteris azorica Borrer's Male Fern Dryopteris borreri Broad buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata Champion's Wood Fern Dryopteris championii Chinese wood fern Dryopteris chinensis Clinton's wood fern Dryopteris clintoniana Coastal Wood Fern Dryopteris arguta Copper shield fern Dryopteris erythrosora Corley's buckler fern Dryopteris corleyi Crested wood fern Dryopteris cristata Crisp-leaved wood fern Dryopteris crispifolia Dryopteris amurensis Dryopteris amurensis Dryopteris crassirhizoma Dryopteris crassirhizoma Dryopteris cycadina Dryopteris cycadina Dryopteris dickinsii Dryopteris dickinsii Dryopteris fuscipes Dryopteris fuscipes Dryopteris maximowicziana Dryopteris maximowicziana Dryopteris pseudofilix-mas Dryopteris pseudofilix-mas Formosan wood fern Dryopteris formosana Fragrant shield fern Dryopteris fragrans Goering's wood fern Dryopteris goeringiana Goldie's wood fern Dryopteris goldiana Guanche wood fern Dryopteris guanchica Hay-scented buckler fern Dryopteris aemula Hybrid wood fern Dryopteris hybrids Intermediate wood fern Dryopteris intermedia Japanese shield fern Dryopteris varia Koidzumi wood fern Dryopteris koidzumiana Kurata's Wood Fern Dryopteris kuratae Leather woodfern Dryopteris marginalis Madeira shield fern Dryopteris maderensis Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas Mixed woodfern Dryopteris immixta Mountain wood fern Dryopteris oreades Narrow buckler fern Dryopteris carthusiana Northern buckler fern Dryopteris expansa Pale male fern Dryopteris pallida Radde's wood fern Dryopteris raddeana Rigid buckler-fern Dryopteris submontana Scaly male fern Dryopteris affinis Scaly male fern Dryopteris remota Scaly-footed wood fern Dryopteris lepidopoda Shaggy shield fern Dryopteris atrata Shining Shield Fern Dryopteris splendens Siebold's wood fern Dryopteris sieboldii Southern wood fern Dryopteris ludoviciana Stewart's wood fern Dryopteris stewartii Tyrrhenian shield fern Dryopteris tyrrhena Villars' Male Fern Dryopteris villarii Watts' shield fern Dryopteris wattsii

Wood fern

Successful cultivation of Dryopteris requires an environment that mimics its natural forest habitat. The ideal site should provide partial to full shade, protecting the foliage from intense sunlight that causes desiccation and bleaching of the fronds.

Soil conditions are critical for this crop. The plants thrive in rich, moisture-retentive, yet well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Incorporating organic matter, such as leaf mold or peat, significantly improves the establishment and growth rate of the ferns.

Consistent moisture is necessary, especially during the active growth period. While the plants require regular watering, it is essential to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as poor drainage is a leading cause of root-related failures.

Maintenance tasks include the annual removal of dead or damaged fronds during early spring before new growth appears. This practice improves the health of the crown and encourages the development of new, healthy foliage throughout the season.

Dryopteris species are generally robust, but they can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained, compacted soils. This fungal disease is often exacerbated by over-irrigation during cooler months when evaporation is minimal.

Slugs and snails are the most common pests, particularly affecting young, emerging croziers in the spring. Implementing mechanical barriers or using eco-friendly bait is often sufficient to manage these populations and protect the foliage.

Foliar pathogens, such as fungal leaf spots, can occur when the plants are overcrowded or if the canopy lacks sufficient airflow. Maintaining proper spacing between plants helps to reduce humidity levels and limits the spread of spores.

Scale insects and spider mites may occasionally infest ferns, especially in lower humidity environments. Regular misting and monitoring the underside of the fronds can help identify infestations early, allowing for localized treatment.

To maintain a healthy crop, growers should focus on cultural practices: providing correct soil structure, ensuring adequate spacing, and removing infected tissue immediately to keep the remaining plants disease-free.