southern woodfern

Plant Type

Fern

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2-4 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By division

Plant Planting Notes

Provide at least 3 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Leaves

Fronds with opposite leaflets. Fronds are deltoid with entire, lobed margins.

Flowers

Southern woodfern produces sterile and fertile fronds.

Fruit

Spores.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Wet and shady habitats such as baygalls or blackwater swamp forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the South Carolina coastal plain and sandhills. Absent from the piedmont and mountains.