Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Botanical Name
Dryopteris ludoviciana
Plant Common Name
Southern Wood Fern
General Description
The Southern wood fern is a semi-evergreen, perennial fern, which is native to the swamps and woodlands of the southern United States; ludoviciana is a Latinized form of Louisiana, which gives further clues to its preferred habitat. The upright, leathery, dark-green fronds are evergreen in their southern-most regions, and deciduous in cooler climates. Bronze spores are scattered along the frond, especially at the base. Southern wood fern, like most ferns, thrives in moist, acidic, humus-rich soil; however this fern can tolerate drought if protected from direct sun. It grows slowly to moderately, and spreads by rhizomes to forms clumps.
The Southern wood fern is carefree with little ongoing maintenance required. Mulch will keep the roots moist and a yearly application of compost will keep the soil rich. Other than that, where Southern wood is deciduous, cut the fronds back at the base after they have turned brown and collapsed.
Ferns are a mainstay of any shade or woodland garden. They provide textural and vertical interest, and make an effective, easy groundcover especially where it is too shady for turf grass to grow. The Southern wood fern creates a soft edge at the front of a woodland garden bed and combines well with large, horizontal-leaved plants such as hostas.
Characteristics
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Plant Type
Fern
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
30"-48" / 76.2cm - 121.9cm
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Width
0"-0" / 0.0cm - 0.0cm (12)
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Native To
Southeastern United States, South-Central United States, Texas
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
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)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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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
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
