Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal Woodfern)

One of only a handful of truly evergreen native ferns, marginal woodfern combines genuine year-round foliage interest with exceptional drought tolerance for dry, rocky shade sites where most ferns simply won't establish.

Species Overview

Dryopteris marginalis, or marginal wood fern, is a hardy, evergreen fern native to North American forests. This species prefers shaded areas with well-drained, slightly acidic soils and is often found thriving on rocky outcrops and wooded slopes. It is one of the most drought-tolerant of the wood ferns, forming a non-spreading, vase-shaped clump from a single, prominent crown.

Application

• Dry shade groundcover and specimen plantings
• Rocky slope and ledge restoration in shaded sites
• Woodland garden plantings prioritizing year-round evergreen structure
• Erosion control on dry, shaded slopes

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry to average, well-drained, humusy soils; the most drought-tolerant of the wood ferns
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry, rocky-woodland fern; not tolerant of standing water.
• Plant Type: Fern
• Mature Height: 1-2 ft. (occasionally to 3 ft.)
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None - evergreen
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACU (Facultative Upland) - Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain region
• Native Range: Newfoundland to Georgia, west to Oklahoma and Minnesota
• Pollinator Value: None significant - a spore-bearing fern with no flowers; reproduces without pollinators.
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: None
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
• Growth Habit: Vase-shaped - single-crowned, clump-forming, does not spread
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Planting Guidance

• Space plants 12-18 in. on center; does not spread, so plan spacing for the desired coverage at maturity.