Davallia is a genus of epiphytic ferns whose furry-looking rhizomes craw; atop the soil; the furry rhizomes have given members of the genus the common names rabbit’s foot fern, squirrel’s foot fern, and deer’s foot fern. Davallia has very finely divided almost feathery fronds that grow from 9 to 36 inches (22-91cm) tall. They can be […] More
Cyrtomium–commonly called holly fern–is a smallish fern with stiff, dark green leaves that resemble holly leaves. Fronds are large, dark green, glossy, and leathery. It is evergreen in mild climates, deciduous in cold winter regions. Crytomium thrives outdoors in mild-winter regions. It can be grown as a houseplant where it will grow well even in […] More
Asplenium is a genus of evergreen ferns that are best known for the tufts of long fonds that often overlap to form a “nest”–thus the common name bird’s nest fern. Many Asplenium species also produce plantlets along their fronds; the plantlets can be separated and planted–thus the common name mother fern. Asplenium ferns grow from creeping rhizomes. […] More
Polystichum is a genus of ferns that includes the ferns commonly called shield fern and sword fern. Polystichum are hardy symmetrical plants with medium-size evergreen fronds. Polystichum are widely planted ferns that combine well with other plants and are easy to grow. Polystichum are cultivated for their lance-shaped, pinnate fronds which arise from erect or […] More
Osmunda genus includes the ferns commonly called cinnamon fern and royal fern. Osmunda is a genus of imposing ferns. All are large, coarse, deciduous ferns. Osmunda has broadly lance-shaped to triangular-ovate pinnate fronds. The fronds arise from large erect rhizomes. Fronds turn yellow or golden brown in autumn. Fertile fronds produce clusters of spherical greenish sporangia […] More
Matteuccia–commonly called ostrich fern–is a terrestrial clumping fern that resembles a shuttlecock; it has a narrow base and spreading top. Fronds are long-stalked, lance-shaped, pinnatified, and erect. Fronds commonly grow 18 to 24 inches (45-61cm) long but can reach 6 feet (1.8m) tall in moist, moderate climates. Matteuccia spreads by underground rhizomes. They grow best […] More
Adiantum — maidenhair ferns–are moisture-loving perennials with fronds of leaflets that are mostly fan-shaped, bright green, and thin textured. Adiantum are grown for their delicate and elegant foliage. Adiantum are tender plants that need shelter from the wind and hot sun and protection from winter cold. They are often grown as houseplants. Adiantum is a genus of […] More
Athyrium — commonly called lady ferns or painted ferns–are ferns with lance-shaped, pinnate fronds that can be silvery gray-green or mid-green. Athyrium grows from creeping red-brown rhizomes. Athyrium forms compact mounds or clumps or grow erect from the crown. Athyrium grows widespread in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They grow best in partial to full […] More
Ferns are valued in the garden for the great beauty of their leaves, the endless variety of forms, and the range of subtle shades of green. A well-grown fern is always pleasing and does not depend upon a special season for its chief appeal, as flowering plants do. Ferns are comparatively easy to grow. They […] More
Ferns are a large group of perennials. They can vary in height from a few inches to 50 feet. Most are forest plants. Plant ferns outdoors in a cool, shady place. Indoors, ferns grow well in indirect light away from drafts or forced air. Get to know Ferns Growing Ferns How to water and feed […] More
Asparagus ferns have feathery, arching stems with needle-like leaves. Grow asparagus ferns under trees and large shrubs in shady beds and borders or feature them in patio containers or hanging baskets. Asparagus ferns, Asparagus densiflorus, is also known as plume asparagus or foxtail fern. It is an evergreen perennial closely related to the vegetable asparagus, Asparagus fern […] More
Stephen Albert