Plant Profile: Dryopteris australis

The Dixie Wood Fern is a hybrid fern that primarily reproduces sterilely and is increasingly hard to find in its natural environment, which is the southeastern United States. This fern is a result of the crossbreeding between D. celsa and D. ludoviciana. It thrives in the dry summer conditions found beneath forest canopies as well as in the wetter areas of swamps. With its gracefully arching fronds and clump-forming growth habit supported by short rhizomes, this fern is quite visually appealing. It flourishes in shaded to partially shaded locations with rich, moist, humusy soil.

This fern is ideal for use in woodland gardens, along the edges of streams or ponds, or in rain gardens.

For further details on Dryopteris, additional resources are available.