Dryopteris marginalis – Marginal Woodfern (DR.EVR.RR)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Marginal shield fern is a  native, evergreen, perennial fern in the polypody family (Polypodiaceae).

This fern prefers moist, well-drained, humus, rich soil in partial to full shade with protection from the wind. It has a broad, erect crown densely covered with light brown scales. It produces a large, single crown and does not spread. It is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade.

The fern typically forms a vase-shaped clump up to 3 feet tall (but usually smaller). This is a woodland fern most often found in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs. Features grayish-green, deeply cut, leathery fronds (15 to 20 inches long). Sori are located at the edges or margins of the pinnule undersides, hence the common name, marginal. Its evergreen fronds provide good interest to the winter landscape.

The marginal shield fern can be grown in native, shade, and winter gardens. It can be used as an accent, for a border or in mass plantings.