Athyrium filix-femina
Photo by Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, Northumberland, UK as posted on Wikimedia. Photograph belongs to the photographer who allows use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
8A
2002-2022, Copyright Florida Native Plant Society
Southern Lady Fern
Dryopteridaceae
Plant Specifics
| Size: | 2.5-3.5 ft tall by 2-3 ft wide | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Phenology: | Winter dormant | |
| Habitats: | Moist hammocks, swamps, shady bluffs. |
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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Shade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
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| Moisture Tolerance: | Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Usually moist, occasional inundation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: | Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Spray Tolerance: | Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil/Substrate: | Sand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wildlife
One resource (Misssouri Botantical Garden) indicates that it tolerates rabbits.