Dryopteris ludoviciana – Southern Woodfern (D.G)

Southern Wood-fern is a native fern from NC south to Florida and west to TX. It is evergreen in mild climates. The shiny upright leathery green fronds are very striking in the garden. This fern is a slow to moderate grower and will form vase-shaped clumps that slowly expand by short rhizomes. Even though it is found in wet areas, Southern Wood-fern will adapt to average garden conditions in moist fertile soils in partial shade to full shade. Use this plant in a shade garden as a ground cover, in a woodland setting and along streams, bogs and ponds.