Dryopteris goldieana – Goldie’s Woodfern(DR.FC.GRD.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

Goldie’s wood fern is an herbaceous perennial in the polypody family (Polypodiaceae). The fern’s native range is a wide area of eastern North America, including North Carolina. It is found in the rich moist soil of forested areas and seepage swamps in the mountains and Piedmont.

The plant is easy to grow and prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Once established, plants are difficult to move. This fern prefers fertile acidic soils, protection from the wind and humid conditions.

It is one of the largest ferns in this genus, growing to 4 feet tall. It will spread slowly by short rhizomes (with an elevated crown) to form a 6-foot clump. It is easy to distinguish from other ferns not only by its size but also by the backward-arching, oblong-triangular fronds. The fronds taper near the tip.

Use in a woodland garden, along ponds, streams or bogs, or massed in a native garden.