Dryopteris goldieana aka Goldie's Fern

Dryopteris goldieana is a deciduous fern known as Goldie's wood fern. Its native range spans eastern Canada and the eastern United States. It grows in rich, moist woods and seepage swamps. In North Carolina, it occurs in the mountains and Piedmont. Its name honors John Goldie, a Scottish plant collector. He brought this fern from Canada to Britain.

Garden size varies between the sources. RHS gives heights and widths of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. NC State gives heights of 3–4 feet [0.9–1.2 metres]. Its clumps can reach 6 feet [1.8 metres] across. Short rhizomes spread slowly beneath a raised crown. RHS gives five to ten years to reach full size. The fronds form a loose rosette and arch backward. Established plants can be hard to move.

The fronds range from light green to dark or golden green. They turn pale yellow in fall, then die back. NC State describes fronds 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] long. RHS records fronds reaching 4 feet [1.2 metres]. Their broad blades narrow sharply toward the tip. The pinnate-pinnatifid blades have firm segments and narrow, overlapping pinnae. Each frond has a long, thick stipe with scales near its base. These stalks range from green to gray-green and bear brown scales. Sori sit beneath the leaflets, close to the midvein. This fern makes spores rather than flowers or fruit.

Grow it in partial or full shade, including deep shade. It prefers moist, fertile soil with plenty of humus. Good drainage matters, though it tolerates occasional wet soil. NC State favors acidic soil; RHS also lists neutral and alkaline conditions. Shelter it from cold winds that dry the fronds. Humid conditions suit it well. NC State lists USDA zones 3–8, while RHS rates it H7. Both sources describe few pest or disease problems.

Use this fern in woodland beds or a shaded native garden. It also suits planting near ponds, streams, and bogs. Its large fronds work as an accent or in groups. RHS also lists containers, borders, banks, and courtyard gardens. Deer seldom damage it, and it resists rabbits. Routine pruning is not needed; remove dead or damaged fronds. Divide plants in spring, or sow spores when ripe.