Photo by: Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, Northumberland, UK as posted on Wikimedia

Nomenclature

Common Name:

southern lady fern

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Athyrium filix-femina

Family:

Dryopteridaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

fern

Size:

2.5-3.5 ft tall by 2-3 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

NA

Fruit Color:

NA

Phenology:

winter dormant

Noted For:

Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Ground cover. This is a clump-forming fern (all fronds arise from a central point) making it a good focal point in a shade garden. Can also be used as a border plant.

Considerations:

Availability:

FNPS Plant Sales

Propagation:

Division (spring is said to be best).

Light:

Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

-|----|--|---|- <-----> -|----|----|----|----|----|-

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Usually moist, occasional inundation

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

Acidic to neutral

Suitable to Grow In:

8A

Ecology

Wildlife:

One resource (Misssouri Botantical Garden) indicates that it tolerates rabbits.

Native Habitats:

Moist hammocks, swamps, shady bluffs.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Fronds and rhizomes are said to be poisonous but potentially edible after cooking (please don't eat based on this information!)

General Comments:

Fronds are lacy and delicate in appearance.