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Dryopteris crassirhizoma (Wood Fern): Vase-Shaped Semi-Evergreen Specimen Fern

Wood fern (Dryopteris crassirhizoma) is a handsome, lush, semi-evergreen vase-shaped fern (3.5 ft. tall) with thickly textured leaves. Suitable for specimen treatment in woodland or moist shade gardens. Spreads 3–6 ft.

Culture & Care

Soil: Moist; partial to full shade in sheltered site.
Propagation: Spores at 59°F when ripe; divide spring or autumn.

Potential Problems

Rust, leaf gall, fungal spots.

Quick Reference

Height	3–6 ft.
Spread	3–6 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumping, Fast Grower
Light	Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Features	Showy Foliage (Evergreen)
Uses	Beds, Borders, Ground Cover, Naturalizing, Specimen
Style	Woodland Garden
Type	Fern

Other: Best Grass for Shade: Fine Fescue and Grass-Like Alternatives; Plants for Deep Shade: Hostas, Skimmia, Camellias, and Groundcovers; Shade Tree Alternatives to Maple, Oak, and Poplar; Greenhouse Winter Prep for Highland Nepenthes in Oregon; Best Soil Mix for Perennials and Shade Plant List; Heavy Shade Lawn Alternatives: Beyond Grass; Establishing a Lawn Under Oak Trees with Limited Irrigation; Dryopteris tokyoensis (Tokyo Wood Fern): Upright Ladder-Like Fronds for Shade; Astilbe: Feathery Plumes for the Summer Shade Garden; Shade-Tolerant Fescue Blends: Winter Beauty but Summer Decline Under Deepening Shade

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