Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina

close up of a single lady fern compound leaf tapers to a point and each leaflet is compound and tapers to a point

Photo Credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Plant Description

Lady fern is a large delicate deciduous fern with fronds up to 3′ in length. This graceful fern grows well in moist, shady understories. Fronds begin to pop up in spring with an eye-popping bright green color, then die to the ground with the first frost. Deer resistant.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Forb
Habitats	Bottomland forests Conifer forests Forest edges Forest understories Forests Mixed hardwood-conifer forests Residential yards Riparian areas Riparian forests Trailsides Woodlands
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Dry to moist
Special Uses	Deer resistant Good for shady woodland garden Ornamental Restoration/revegetation
Shade Preference	Full shade Part shade
Mature Height	up to 4'