Dryopteris cristata aka Crested Buckler Fern

Dryopteris cristata, also known as crested wood fern or crested buckler-fern, is a species of fern found in wetlands across the Northern Hemisphere. It is a tetraploid species resulting from a hybridization between Dryopteris ludoviciana and an extinct species called Dryopteris semicristata, which is also believed to be one of the parents of Dryopteris carthusiana. This fern, in turn, serves as a parent to another hybrid fern called Dryopteris clintoniana. The crested wood fern thrives in wetland environments and requires constant moisture throughout the year. Its fronds can grow tall, reaching heights of up to a meter or more, but are typically narrow. The plant forms clumps and consists of semi-evergreen erect fertile fronds with widely spaced leaflets, as well as shorter, arching evergreen sterile fronds. Interestingly, the crested wood fern is also a rare houseplant that can be easily grown with regular watering. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned within one foot of a window. Well-draining soil is essential for its growth, and it typically does not require additional fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Native to Europe, Central Siberia, Canada, and the United States, the crested wood fern belongs to the Dryopteris genus.