A classic fern with arching leaves that can grow to large sizes! Fairly adaptable provided adequate moisture. Do well planted alongside spring ephemerals like trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, and bloodroot, as the ephemerals die back by the time the fern’s leaves grow large.

Light: Part Sun/Shade, Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet, Wet Mesic, Mesic

Soil Type: Loam, Humus, Peaty, Sandy

Height: 3'-6'

Bloom Color: Green

Bloom Time: Jun-Aug

Root Type: Rhizome

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Hosts the ostrich fern borer moth (though it’s small range doesn’t not extend to Indiana) and at least one aphid. Large enough that colonies provide substantial cover to small animals.