Dryopteris ludoviciana aka Southern Woodfern

Dryopteris ludoviciana, the southern wood fern, is a perennial fern. Its native range spans the southeastern United States west to Texas. It is uncommon in North Carolina, where it grows in wet places. Yet it also suits moist soil in a garden. Its fronds may stay green through winter in mild, sheltered sites.

This fern forms upright clumps that spread slowly through short rhizomes. NC State gives a garden height of 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres]. Clumps spread 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] wide. RHS gives larger upper sizes of about 5 feet [1.5 metres] tall. Its stated spread reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Chicago reports plants reaching 4 feet [1.2 metres] across under ideal conditions. Growth is slow to moderate, rather than fast. RHS gives five to ten years to reach full size.

The glossy green fronds feel leathery and have a triangular outline. Some stand upright, while others arch away from the clump. Their pointed leaflets have deep lobes and sit opposite each other. Fertile fronds stand taller and have a narrower shape. They can reach 3 feet [0.9 metres] long. Sterile fronds grow outward and reach about half that length. The green stems bear brown scales near their bases. This fern has no flowers or fruit. It forms spores on the undersides of fertile fronds.

Grow it in partial or full shade, sheltered from strong wind. It needs fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Keep the soil moist rather than letting it dry out. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, including sites that turn wet. RHS lists tolerance of acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. RHS rates its UK hardiness as H5. US ratings differ: Chicago lists zones 6–9, while NC State lists 6–10. Chicago warns that local winters can make outdoor survival unreliable.

Use it in woodland beds, shade gardens, or small groups. It also suits ground cover and planting beneath shrubs. Moist edges of streams, ponds, and bogs offer other settings. Deer resistance adds value where browsing limits plant choice. The sources report few pest or disease problems. Remove dead or damaged fronds when needed. Divide clumps or sow spores to raise more plants.