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Wood Fern
Dryopteris marginalis

A state endangered species, Wood Fern is a rare species in Minnesota but is relatively available in nurseries. Found in hardwood forests, it does well in shady conditions.

USDA symbol: DRMA4

General Information

Plant TypeFern
Height1 foot
Light ExposurePart Sun, Shade
Soil MoistureMedium
Bloom ColorGreen
Wood Fern (Wood Fern<div><em class="small">Dryopteris marginalis</em></div>)
Photo credit: National Park Service (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation ToleranceHigh
General Resilience4
Salt ToleranceNone
Stress ToleranceDrought Tolerant

Pollinator Value: Low

Bloom MonthsMay to October

Project Planning

Project TypeErosion Control, Upland Buffer
Coefficient of Conservatism8
Herbivore SensitivityLow
LifespanPerennial
Rate of SpreadSlow
Soil StabilizationShallow
Vegetative ReproductionClonal

Range

CountyFillmore, Houston
EcoregionDriftless Area, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Western Cornbelt Plains
Approximate Eco ProvinceEastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland