Wood Fern

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Size
Regular price $48.00

10% off, $99
15% off, $249
20% off, $449

*Discount Auto-Applies at Checkout

$1500+, BUNDLE20 for 20% off
$3000+, BUNDLE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Wood Fern is a classic shade-loving perennial known for its graceful, arching fronds and rich green foliage that brings texture and depth to any garden space. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in deep shade make it a favorite for woodland landscapes, borders, and moisture-rich areas. This fern stays attractive from spring through fall, creating a soft, natural look wherever it’s planted.

  • Botanical name: Dryopteris
  • Deciduous fern
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Thrives in partial shade to full shade.

WATER:
Keep soil consistently moist. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry.

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
Wood Ferns are easy to grow and well-suited for low-light outdoor areas.

PET-FRIENDLY?:
Generally considered non-toxic, but best kept out of reach of curious pets.

Note: Wood Fern naturally dies back in winter before returning with fresh new fronds in spring. Old fronds may brown or collapse in late fall—this is normal and part of its seasonal cycle.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Wood Fern, commonly known as Dryopteris, is a lush, shade-loving perennial prized for its elegant, arching fronds and ability to bring rich texture to woodland gardens. This hardy fern thrives in moist, well-drained soil and provides vibrant greenery from spring through fall, making it a low-maintenance favorite for shaded landscapes, borders, and naturalized areas.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Reaches 1–3 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Water 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during dry or hot periods. Avoid letting the soil fully dry out. Wood Fern grows best in partial to full shade, thriving in cool, filtered light. It naturally flourishes in woodland environments where sunlight is soft and indirect.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning: Remove old, damaged, or brown fronds at the base to encourage fresh growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new fronds unfurl.

Fertilization: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring, or top-dress with compost to enrich the soil naturally. Avoid excessive feeding, as ferns perform best in organic-rich soil rather than high-nutrient spikes.

Winter Protection: Wood Fern is naturally cold-hardy, but adding a layer of mulch around the base helps protect the crown and roots during extreme freezes. Avoid cutting back fronds until late winter, as they provide insulation during colder months.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant Wood Fern in rich, well-draining soil in a spot that receives partial to full shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and slightly deeper, then set the plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface. Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost, then water thoroughly to settle the roots. Add mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season to encourage strong root establishment.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 3-8

Wood Fern is exceptionally cold-hardy, making it reliable in northern climates and areas with long winters. It thrives in cool, shaded environments where soil stays consistently moist. In warmer regions, it prefers deep shade and additional watering to avoid heat stress. Its versatility and resilience make it a great choice for woodland gardens, shaded foundations, and moisture-rich outdoor spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Fern typically reaches 1–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide at maturity, making it a perfect choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and moisture-rich areas.

Wood Fern grows at a moderate rate, filling in nicely over a few seasons when planted in consistently moist, shaded conditions.

Wood Fern is deciduous, meaning it dies back in winter and sends up fresh new fronds each spring. Brown or collapsed fronds in fall and winter are completely normal.

Wood Fern thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers soft, filtered light similar to woodland environments.

Keep the soil consistently moist. Water when the top 1–2 inches begin to dry, especially during hot or dry periods.

Wood Fern is generally considered deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with browsing wildlife.

Wood Fern is best suited for outdoor shaded environments. It does not adapt well to indoor conditions long-term due to its need for cool, humid air and naturally filtered light.

Wood Fern grows best in rich, well-drained, consistently moist soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or leaf mold.

Prune by removing brown, damaged, or old fronds at the base. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.

Wood Fern is generally considered non-toxic, but it’s still best to keep pets from chewing on the fronds to protect both the plant and the pet.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

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