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Grandiflora
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteris erythrosora
Autumn Fern, Copper Shield Fern
The colorful autumn fern is a winter deciduous fern native to China and Japan. The glossy fronds emerge coppery-red in spring, turn green in summer, and rusty brown in fall. The overall shape of the frond is like a triangular wedge. In winter the fronds' undersides have red sori (spore bearing structures).
Like most ferns, it excels in shade and moist soil, making it ideal for the woodland wildflower garden and mixed border. It is best in garden pockets with higher humidity and protection from winds. In regions with mild winters the plant should be nearly evergreen. Cultivar 'Brilliance' has especially showy new growth.
9 - 5
5 - 9
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Fern
Partial Shade, Full Shade
20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm
18"-20" / 45.7cm - 50.8cm
China, Japan
Acidic, Neutral
Average
Loam
Medium
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer, Fall
None
Light Green, Yellow Green, Pink, Copper
Green
Brown, Dark Red, Bronze
Red, Brown
SpottedMottled
No
Yes
Glossy
Semi-Evergreen
Container, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Mixed Border
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