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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Dryopteris marginalis is a well behaved clump forming fern of medium size, typically around 2 feet tall with wide compound fronds.  This evergreen beauty can be seen peaking out of blankets of snow and the arching fronds lend form to the shady winter landscape.

HABITAT & HARDINESS: Dryopteris marginalis occurs across eastern, southern and Midwest US, except Florida and Louisiana; and is also native into Canada. This species is found in moist woods and ravines and on protected rocky crevices.

Plants are hardy from USDA Zones 3-8.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Dryopteris marginalis has arching fronds that grow in a vase shape clump, typically 2 feet tall, sometimes up to 3 feet tall.  This evergreen fern produces a large, single crown and does not spread by rhizomes.  The blue green fronds are roughly textured or leathery.  Fiddleheads arise in spring and are golden brown and furry. The species reproduces from spores.  Sori are located at the edges or margins of the pinnule undersides, hence the common name.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Grows readily in average, moderately moist, well-drained soil from partial to full shade. Thrives best in moist, nutrient-rich, humus-heavy, acidic soil and benefits from shelter from strong winds. Plants are tolerant to heavy shade, wet soil, and are resistant to deer and rabbit pressure.  Songbirds use plant parts for nesting material and frogs and toads find habitat in the evergreen groundcover.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Use is Shady Gardens, woodlands and shaded rock gardens.  Evergreen fronds provide interest in any shady planting.

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS:  Try pairing Dryopteris marginalis with Aquilegia canadensis, Athyrium filix-femina, Carex amphibola, Carex plantaginea, Heuchera americana ‘Dales Strain’, and Phlox stolonifera.

Athyrium filix-femina could be substituted in some situations.

TRIVIA:  Genus name from Greek dryas meaning oak and pteris meaning fern in reference to the presence of some species of wood ferns in woodland areas populated with oaks.  Specific epithet comes from the sori being located at the edges or margins of the pinnule undersides.–Missouri Botanical Garden