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Athyrium felix - femina ( uh - THEE - ree - um FY - liks fem - in - uh ) is a non - flowering member of the Athyriaceae house which is commonly called Lady Fern . This deciduous perennial fern is native to northern temperate neighborhood of the Americas .
The works ’ genus name , Athyrium , is derived from the Greek word “ athyros ” , which mean “ doorless ” . This refers to the spore covers ( indusia ) which can be found on the underside of the fronds . The indusia are hinged and open slowly to release spores .
The specific epithet , felix - femina , is also Greek and stand for “ fern charwoman ” . Hence the common name , Lady Fern .
Lady Fern – Athyrium Filix-Femina Care
Size & Growth
In very conducive environments , this US aboriginal plant may grow to be 5 ’ feet high . Typically , Lady Fern grows to be between 1 ’ – 3 ’ foot high and has a spreadhead as great as 2.5 ’ metrical foot .
The frond of the Lady Fern are erect and feature light green , lacy , delicately divided leaflet . There are between twenty and thirty brace of leaflets on each frond . In the fall , this deciduous fern send away its leaves right on after the first Robert Lee Frost .
The stalks of the fronds may be green to match the leaves , or they may be reddish or regal .
Flowering & Fragrance
This plant is flowerless . It reproduces through spore .
Light & Temperature
A shady setting is best for the Lady Fern , but it can bear quite a mo of sun if observe well watered .
This plant is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 - 8 .
Watering & Feeding
This low sustentation plant does well in suspect context and has intermediate piddle requirement .
Soil & Transplanting
It is easy to grow Lady Fern in any wooded country with light-headed , well - draining dirt . Although these plants do require ordered wet , they do not need as much moisture as most type of fern .
Consistently dampish , rich soil ( like that which is course found in a timberland setting ) is best .
Grooming & Maintenance
This flora be given to look a spot buffet by the center of the summer , but this is only natural . Prune away damaged frond to meliorate its appearing .
water parting rhizomes every yoke of geezerhood to promote good growth .
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How To Propagate Lady Fern – Athyrium Felix-Femina
Lady Fern is well circularise by division . dissever the clumps in the spring . The rhizomes are quite hardy and re - grow quickly after the above ground component of the plant have been destroy by attack .
Of of course , it is also potential to develop the plant life from spores , which can be found on the undersides of the leaflets . This is an sluggish summons , though . It is much easier and more practical to develop Lady Fern through rootstock division .
Lady Fern – Athyrium Felix-Femina Pests or Diseases
In its lifelike surround , Lady Fern experiences few , if any , pest or insect problems .
Like all industrial plant , badly draining land , misfortunate ventilation , and other adverse term will weaken the plant and cause problems such as rot , fungus , and bacterial infections .
Weakened industrial plant of all sort will go down quarry to pestis more easily than healthy I .
Is the Lady Fern Considered Toxic or Poisonous to People, Kids, Pets?
Lady Fern is generally considered non - toxic . It is a common generator of food for wildlife , such as Roosevelt elk , grizzly bear and deer .
However , it does contain filicic acid , so it may be toxic to some type of domesticated animate being . practise normal precautions when allow for access to domesticated livestock . [ source ]
Is The Lady Fern Considered Invasive?
Once established , Lady Fern will easily domesticate and can colonize turgid region . This plant is native throughout North America and can not be considered invasive in this setting .
In the land of Florida , this flora is listed as “ threatened ” . In the New York state , it is heel as “ exploitably vulnerable ” .
Uses For Lady Fern – Athyrium filix-femina
In its natural surroundings , this pretty , thick fern grows in low prevarication areas as well as mid - elevations . you’re able to find it turn of course in swamps , along watercourse banks , in moist hayfield and timberland options .
Lady Fern does well in any umbrageous garden setting . It is fantabulous for naturalise in a wooded region and makes a fine addition to a shady rock-and-roll garden . It can be pretty at the front of a shaded border or grow at the verge of a pond or stream .
