How to identify Marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis)

How to identify Marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis)

Marginal wood fern, also known as Marginal Fern, Evergreen Woodfern, Marginal shield fern

Marginal wood fern is characterized by its evergreen nature, often forming a vase-shaped clump approximately 1.5-2 feet (45-60 cm), though it can occasionally reach up to 3 feet (about 90 cm). The fronds of marginal wood fern are grayish-green, deeply cut, and leathery, typically measuring 15-20 inches (38-50 cm) in length. Notably, the sori of marginal wood fern are located along the edges of the underside of the pinnules. The plant's rhizome gives rise to an erect crown, while its evergreen fronds provide visual interest throughout the winter.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Marginal wood fern

Vase-shaped clump, 1.5-3 feet (45-90 cm) tall

Grayish-green, deeply cut, leathery fronds

Sori located along frond edges

Bluish green to olive green fronds, lance-shaped with tapering points

Heavy veining, blunt-tipped pinnules with sori near margins

Detailed Traits of Marginal wood fern

Leaf Features

The fronds of marginal wood fern are bluish green to dull olive green, arching in a vase shape and tapering rapidly to a point. Each blade, lance-shaped and bipinnate to bipinnate-pinnatified, is leathery. The pinnae are lance-shaped, quickly tapering to a point. The pinnules, with heavy veins and blunt tips, have sori located near the margins. The stipe, 1/4 to 1/3 the frond length, is swollen at the base and covered in golden brown scales.

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Marginal wood fern and Their Similar Plants

Male fern vs. Marginal wood fern: What's The Difference?

Male fern thrives in part to full shade, which makes it a nice choice for understandings, or areas that don't get enough sun for other plants to thrive. This graceful plant grows in clumps, will return year after year, and is resistant to rabbits.

Autumn fern vs. Marginal wood fern: What's The Difference?

Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is an evergreen fern whose new fronds emerge as reddish-orange in spring, providing a colorful contrast against the dark green mature fronds. It prefers partial shade to full shade. Grows best in moist to wet, organically-rich soil.

Spinulose woodfern vs. Marginal wood fern: What's The Difference?

The spinulose woodfern (Dryopteris carthusiana) is native to parts of the United States and is commonly found in wetlands. It is used in gardens, particularly in the shady areas of woodland, rock, native plant or wild gardens. Long-living in partial to full shade.

Intermediate wood fern vs. Marginal wood fern: What's The Difference?

The intermediate wood fern is an evergreen fern found across North America and Europe. It's popular for woodland or shade gardens. It is easy to grow in well-drained soils and can tolerate high humidity.

Crested woodfern vs. Marginal wood fern: What's The Difference?

The crested woodfern (Dryopteris cristata) is native to the Northern Hemisphere. It can only grow with year-long moisture as a wetland plant, and fronds are quite high.

Broad buckler fern vs. Marginal wood fern: What's The Difference?

Broad buckler fern is a wide-spreading deciduous semi-evergreen fern that is mistaken for other ferns but is distinguished by its darker center. Its finely cut fronds look similar to lace. Broad buckler fern is resistant to deer and rabbits. When cultivated, it is best used in shaded gardens and woodlands.

Log Fern vs. Marginal wood fern: What's The Difference?

Log Fern (Dryopteris celsa) can be found growing in areas of heavy shade on rich soils and rotten wood in the eastern United States. This plant is a fertile hybrid of the species Dryopteris goldiana and Dryopteris ludoviciana. Log Fern is also grown ornamentally for its complex and attractive leaves.

Alpine wood fern vs. Marginal wood fern: What's The Difference?

Dryopteris wallichiana, the alpine wood fern, is a robust species of deciduous or semi-evergreen fern in the family Dryopteridaceae, native to the Himalayas, Hawaii, Mexico and Jamaica. It grows to 90 cm tall, occasionally 1.8 m by 75 cm wide, with pale green tripinnate fronds, strongly contrasting with the dark brown ribs. The Latin specific epithet wallichiana refers to the 19th century Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich. A popular plant in cultivation, it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

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Key Facts About Marginal wood fern

Attributes of Marginal wood fern

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

46 cm to 91 cm

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Yellow

Gold

Brown

Stem Color

Green

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Scientific Classification of Marginal wood fern

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis)

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Distribution Map of Marginal wood fern

Marginal wood fern is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and flourishes in a variety of forested habitats. Since its successful cultivation outside its native range, marginal wood fern has established a presence across multiple continents, predominantly in areas with similar climatic conditions to its original habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Marginal wood fern

A Comprehensive Guide to Marginal wood fern How to Grow and Care for Marginal wood fern