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Auriculate Lady Fern (Athyrium otophorum)

Auriculate Lady Fern
Eared pinnae
Frond detail
Clump

Overview

Auriculate Lady Fern (Athyrium otophorum) is an Asian fern distinguished by prominent auricles (ear-like lobes) at the base of the pinnae, giving a unique silhouette.

Taxonomy

Family:	Dryopteridaceae
Genus:	Athyrium (uh-THEE-ree-um)
Species:	otophorum (oh-toh-FOR-um)
Synonym:	Asplenium otophorum

Description

Fronds are 40–70 cm long, bipinnate, with lanceolate pinnae that have distinct, forward-pointing auricles at the base. Color is fresh green. Stipes are green to straw-colored.

Habitat and Cultivation

Native to Japan, Korea, China. Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. The auricles add architectural interest. Good for woodland gardens.

Ferns: Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): Versatile, Lacy Fern for Moist Shade; Ming Fern (Asparagus macowanii): Feathery, Fern-Like Asparagus for Texture; Dwarf Tree Fern / Silver Lady Fern (Blechnum gibbum): Compact Tree Fern for Containers; 'Silver Lady' Dwarf Tree Fern (Blechnum gibbum): Compact, Silvery Fronds for Pots; Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum): Unique Fern That "Walks" Across Rocks; Upside-Down Fern (Arachniodes standishii): Fronds That Appear Inverted; Mother Fern (Asplenium viviparum): Fern That Grows Baby Plantlets on Its Fronds; Athyrium niponicum: Japanese Lady Fern; Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae': Tatting Fern; Japanese Brake Fern (Pteris nipponica): Elegant Variegated Fern for Shade

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