Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Marginal Shield Fern

Dryopteris marginalis
Plant Type: Ferns
Native Environment:
Season of Interest:
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Marginal shield fern
Photo: Courtesy of MDC
Sun Exposure 
Soil
Moisture
Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Cover
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

2 to
3
feet

Spread:

2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 2 to
3
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 2 to
3
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Typical Landscape Use
A great plant to add texture to a woodland or shady area.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Shade-partial shade, adapts well to many soil types, prefers some moisture.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fresh Cut Flower, Ground Cover
Basic Description

A beautiful and easy native fern to grow, forming 2-3′ vase-shaped mounds that are often evergreen in protected areas. Fronds are strong and have attractive brown scales at their base. Also called Leatherwood fern. Shade tolerant and adaptable to many soil types.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!

Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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