Plant Profile: Dryopteris

Wood ferns thrive in shaded environments, making them an excellent choice for woodland gardens. They favor moist, nutrient-rich soil that drains well, although some species can be found in swampy areas, most do not need excessively wet conditions.

These ferns have a robust rhizome, which can either creep along the ground or rise as an upright crown. The scales, which are particularly dense on the fiddleheads and at the base of the fronds, come in shades of tan, black, brown, or gold. Typically, the fronds are of medium height and can be either upright or arching, with many species being evergreen.