Dryopteris marginalis

Marginal Shield Fern

Marginal shield fern is an evergreen fern, which grows as a non-spreading, vase-shaped clump with handsome gray-green, leathery fronds. The evergreen fronds provide good interest in the winter landscape, and, if planted densely, provide year round cover for birds and other wildlife such as frogs and toads.

Benefits:

Easy-to-grow evergreen fern tolerant of dry conditions

Provides year round cover for birds and other wildlife

Used in floral arrangements

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in part to full shade

Prefers well-drained, organically rich, acidic soil

Shelter from wind to protect fronds from breaking

If fronds become tattered, cut them to the ground and new fronds will emerge.

Height 2-2 Feet

Spread 2-2 Feet

Native Range Moist to dry woods; Newfoundland to Minnesota south to Oklahoma and Georgia.

Native Trivia Ferns have a way of lightening the darkness of shade gardens and woodlands; they somehow make these areas less dark and project a feeling of lushness. Mix different native ferns in the same area to take advantage of the wonderful variety of textures and colors available.

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8

"This robust evergreen fern provides year-round cover for chipmunks like me and my songbird friends."

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Low Perennials	Exposure • Shade • Filtered Shade	Soil • Acidic • Well-drained	Soil Moisture Preference • Moist • Dry
Habitat Collection • Dry Shade	Foliage Color • Green	Uses • Evergreen