Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Botanical Name
Dryopteris atrata
Plant Common Name
Shaggy Shield Fern
General Description
Shaggy shield fern is a semi-evergreen fern with an erect rhizome producing green fronds with dark brown scales. It is native to much of eastern Asia, from northern India eastward into China and Japan.
Like most ferns, it performs best in shade and moist soil, though once established will do well in partial sun and drier conditions. Shaggy shield fern makes an excellent addition to the woodland garden, a shaded rockery, along the edge of a bog, or in a mixed border.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Fern
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm
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Width
14"-20" / 35.6cm - 50.8cm
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Native To
India, China, Japan
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam
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Tolerances
Wet Site, Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bog Garden, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
