Phegopteris connectilis aka Beech Fern

Phegopteris connectilis is a deciduous fern known as narrow beech fern. Other names include northern beech fern and long beech fern. It grows across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. Its range spans subarctic and temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is native to Britain and Ireland. In the wild, it grows in moist woods and beside streams. It suits cool climates rather than regions with hot, humid summers.

This fern forms clumps and spreads slowly through creeping rhizomes. Garden plants reach about 0.7–1.5 feet [0.2–0.46 metres] tall. The RHS gives a slightly higher limit of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Over time, plants can spread to 3 feet [0.91 metres] wide. Fronds stand upright at first, then arch outward. Their colour ranges from pale green to bright green. Each blade has a narrow, triangular outline and finely divided leaflets. The blade is pinnate-pinnatifid to bipinnatifid. Its lowest pair of leaflets points downward, apart from the rest. This gives the frond a shape like an arrow.

The fern does not flower, so it has no bloom season. Gardeners can raise new plants from spores collected when ripe. They can also divide established plants in spring. The RHS gives a maturity period of two to five years. Its leaves fall away for winter. Remove dead or damaged fronds when needed; little other pruning is required.

Grow it in partial or full shade, with shelter. Partial shade tends to bring out the pale green colour. Give it soil rich in humus and keep it moist. Do not let the soil dry out. The RHS calls for good drainage and accepts clay or loam. Acid soil suits it, though neutral soil also works. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 2–5; the RHS rates it H5. Summer heat and humidity limit its use in warmer regions.

Use it as ground cover in woods or shaded gardens. It also suits low edging and shaded rock gardens. Its slow spread allows it to form wider patches over time. It tolerates deep shade and resists rabbits. Both horticultural sources report few pest or disease problems. The supplied sources give no firm evidence on edibility or toxicity.