Log Fern
Dryopteris celsa
An elegant fern that thrives on the forest floor. Large, 2 to 3 ft., deep green fronds produce a lush, leafy effect. A superior choice for shade gardens, under large tree canopies, narrow sideyards and shaded foundation plantings. Herbaceous.
| Key feature: | Woodland Garden |
| Plant type: | Fern |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Herbaceous |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 5 - 9 |
| Light needs: | Full to partial shade |
| Water Needs: | Needs wet or constantly moist soil. |
| Average landscape size: | 3 to 4 ft. tall and 18 to 30 in wide. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Special features: | Deer Resistant, Easy Care, North American Native Selection |
| Landscape uses: | Water Garden, Woodland Garden |
| Blooms: | Does not flower |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 0504 |
| Retailers for this plant: |
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed frequently during growing season with a general purpose fertilizer. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring.
Design Ideas
A perfect space filler to fill out shade gardens and landscapes under large shade trees or groves. Exceptional for filling gaps in rock waterfalls where shade prevents other plants. A good problem solver for narrow sideyards and fleshes out difficult north facing foundation planting.
Companion Plants
Group this fern with other woodland beauties such as Golden Japanese Forest Grass, (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'), Pewter Lace Painted Fern, (Athyrium niponicum 'Pewter Lace'), Ebony Knight Mondo Grass, (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebknizam') and Neon Lights Foam Flower, (Tiarella x 'New Lights').
History
This fern is native to damp woods and swamps throughout a large range of the southeastern United States. Isolated stands can be found in wildlands as far north as New York. This is a natural hybrid between D. goldiana and D. ludoviciana. Its common name is derived from the fact that it's often found growing upon rotting logs in the forest.
Lore
Ferns are primitive plants that reproduce by spores. The fronds of this and many other native ferns were used as makeshift baskets and wrappers by Native Americans within its range in the hunting and gathering forays.
An elegant fern that thrives on the forest floor. Large, 2 to 3 ft., deep green fronds produce a lush, leafy effect. A superior choice for shade gardens, under large tree canopies, narrow sideyards and shaded foundation plantings. Herbaceous.
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed frequently during growing season with a general purpose fertilizer. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring.
Design Ideas
A perfect space filler to fill out shade gardens and landscapes under large shade trees or groves. Exceptional for filling gaps in rock waterfalls where shade prevents other plants. A good problem solver for narrow sideyards and fleshes out difficult north facing foundation planting.
Companion Plants
Group this fern with other woodland beauties such as Golden Japanese Forest Grass, (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'), Pewter Lace Painted Fern, (Athyrium niponicum 'Pewter Lace'), Ebony Knight Mondo Grass, (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebknizam') and Neon Lights Foam Flower, (Tiarella x 'New Lights').
History
This fern is native to damp woods and swamps throughout a large range of the southeastern United States. Isolated stands can be found in wildlands as far north as New York. This is a natural hybrid between D. goldiana and D. ludoviciana. Its common name is derived from the fact that it's often found growing upon rotting logs in the forest.
Lore
Ferns are primitive plants that reproduce by spores. The fronds of this and many other native ferns were used as makeshift baskets and wrappers by Native Americans within its range in the hunting and gathering forays.
| Key feature: | Woodland Garden |
| Plant type: | Fern |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Herbaceous |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 5 - 9 |
| Light needs: | Full to partial shade |
| Water Needs: | Needs wet or constantly moist soil. |
| Average landscape size: | 3 to 4 ft. tall and 18 to 30 in wide. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Special features: | Deer Resistant, Easy Care, North American Native Selection |
| Landscape uses: | Water Garden, Woodland Garden |
| Blooms: | Does not flower |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 0504 |
