Dryopteris goldieana
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Tried and True Recommended by 3 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: goldie's shield fern
Type: Fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Zone: 3 to 7
Native Range: Northeastern America
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Spread: 4 to 6 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Tolerates: Dense Shade, Rabbits

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, rich, humusy, acidic soils in bright shade with protection from wind. Slowly spreads over time by short creeping rhizomes.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This wood fern (also commonly called giant wood fern or Goldie's wood fern) is a woodland fern which is native to moist woods in eastern North America including Missouri. The Missouri populations are limited to eight counties mostly south of the Missouri River (Steyermark). Considered to be the largest of the North American species of Dryopteris . Typically grows in an upright habit to 3-4' tall. Distinguished by its large size and backward-arching, oblong-triangular, dark green (sometimes golden-green) fronds which taper abruptly near the tip. Fronds are deciduous in the St. Louis area.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Mass or group in woodland, shade or native plant gardens. Shady areas of borders.

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