Botanical Name: Dryopteris ludovisciana
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Common Name: Southern woodfern  
Plant photo of: Dryopteris ludovisciana
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Fern

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green, Red

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

High

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Tropical, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Foundation

 

Special Uses

Container

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Richard Devine

  • Description

  • Notes

Southern Shield fern is a stately, clumping fern, native to the southeastern US, that makes a wonderful addition to the woodland garden. The shiny but leathery 3-foot long fronds form a striking upright architectural specimen in the garden. Despite being native to swamps, it performs admirably in normal garden conditions. According to fern guru, Dr. John Mickel, southern shield fern also occasionally occurs naturally on limestone outcrops, indicating a good tolerance for alkaline soils.
In this region, ferns require part to full shade, and need protection from mid-day sun. Grow in soils that have been amended with organic matter and are moisture retentive. Listed as being hardy to USDA Zone 6.