Marginal Wood Fern - Dryopteris marginalis

This is in the larger #1 container. The other ferns are in 4" round pots this year.

Also called Marginal Shield Fern and Leather Fern, for the texture of its fronds.

Features: This is a somewhat typical looking fern but does have the distinctive rows of its spore-containing sori along the bottoms of its leaflets. Its bluish green vase-shaped form is evergreen and provides winter interest.

Its preferred habitat is moist, acidic, rocky, sheltered woodland areas, such as the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. It may need protection from wind in a garden setting, and enough shade and organic matter in the soil to keep it moist.

Light: Part sun to shade.

Soil: Medium,  moist and organic as found in woodlands; tolerates rockiness.

Height: 1.5 - 3 feet

See more information and photos at Illinois Wildflowers and North Carolina State Extension