Anchistea virginica aka Virginia Chain Fern

Anchistea virginica is a fern known as Virginia chain fern. Sources also list it as Woodwardia virginica. Its native range spans eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Kew also places it in the east-central United States. This perennial grows in temperate regions and sheds its fronds. Wild plants live in bogs, wet woods, and other wetlands. They also grow beside coastal plain ponds that sometimes flood.

In gardens, plants reach 2–4 feet [0.61–1.22 metres] tall. They spread about 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres] wide. Arching fronds form dense patches and give a fine texture. New fronds emerge with copper-red tones before turning dark green. Mature fronds have a glossy surface and a leathery feel. Each frond reaches its greatest width near the middle. Its pinnate-pinnatifid blade has close-set pinnae with short, blunt lobes. The narrow smaller divisions point upward and taper at both ends. The lower rachis has a dark purple-brown colour.

This fern makes neither flowers nor fruit. It reproduces through spores, and gardeners can also divide its rhizomes. It grows fast and spreads to form colonies. NC State describes it as easy to grow with low upkeep. Plants For A Future recommends soil rich in organic matter. The soil should stay moist to wet while draining well. Acid soil suits it, including sandy soils and loam. Part shade or full shade provides suitable garden conditions. Plants can take more sun when the soil stays moist. NC State lists hardiness across USDA zones 4–10.

Use this fern beside ponds, streams, or water gardens. Its dense growth also suits shaded beds and woodland gardens. It can serve as groundcover in wet, shady ground. Plants For A Future notes shelter value for frogs, toads, and newts. NC State also lists songbirds and small mammals among wildlife attracted. Deer resistance and tolerance of deep shade add garden value. Its rapid spread can become a problem in planted beds. NC State calls it weedy, though Plants For A Future does not.

Plants For A Future reports no known edible or medicinal uses. It also lists no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for people or pets. The supplied sources name no specific pests or diseases.