Thelypteris decursive-pinnata: Japanese Beech Fern

Thelypteris decursive-pinnata, commonly called Japanese Beech Fern, is a graceful, deciduous, spreading fern native to East Asia. It forms a loose colony of erect, lance-shaped fronds that are pinnate-pinnatifid, with the pinnae (leaflets) running down the rachis (stem) in a distinctive "decurrent" wing. The foliage is a fresh, light green. It spreads slowly by rhizomes to form an elegant groundcover in woodland settings.

Plant Profile

Japanese Beech Fern thrives in partial to full shade and moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It is easy to grow, deer-resistant, and not aggressive. It naturalizes beautifully in woodland gardens, along streams, and in shaded rockeries. The decurrent wings on the rachis give it a unique, architectural texture. A refined choice for the shade garden.