Botanical Name: Dryopteris Filix Mas
Description: Native to North America and the Pacific Northwest, this fern makes a lush accent in the shade garden.  It thrives in moist areas, growing upright to 2-1/2 feet high and wide.  The roots form crowns, each producing a ring of fronds for an attractive vase-like effect.  This fern grows in ever-increasing clumps – left unchecked, it will fill in any shady spot.  It can also be divided periodically to keep it symmetrical and in bounds.  In the woodland garden, use the male fern as underplantings for trees and as a pathway border.  In the garden, it pairs well with hostas and other shade-loving plants, especially those with purple-toned foliage.
Growing tips: Ferns prefer shade with indirect sunlight and high humidity.  Moist, well-drained soil.
Height: 24-36 inches