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Writer's pictureKimberly Simmen

Native Plant of the Week: Goldie's Wood Fern

Family: Polypodiaceae


Name: Dryopteris goldieana


Bloom Time: None


Flower: None.


Soil Condition: Moist, rich, well-drained


Light: Partial shade, shade, dappled shade


Size: 3-4' tall by 3-6' wide


Native Range: Eastern North America including Long Island (BONAP)


Zone: 3-8


Photos: Fronds (Homer Edward Price: CC BY 2.0) and Form, (Daderot: CC BY 2.0)


Goldie's fern is easily identified by its size, backward arching fronds, and elevated crown. It also has a lovely vase shape. Very easy to grow and once established it is difficult to remove. It reproduces by spores and rhizomes and makes a great ground cover in shady, moist woods. Once established, it is difficult to remove.


Maintenance: Protection from wind.


Benefits: Deer resistant. Usually rabbit resistant. Drought resistant.


Fun Facts: The largest native North American species of Dryopteris. Goldie's wood fern and ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) are the largest ferns in eastern North America.


Companion Plants: Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower), Aruncus dioicus (goat's beard), Caltha palustris (marsh marigold), Tiarella cordifolia (foamflower)


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