Blechnaceae
Virginia chain fern
Anchistea virginica
Synonyms
Woodwardia virginica
Other Common Names
Anchistea virginica
Blechnum virginicum
Doodia virginica
Plant Type
Fern
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
2-4 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Occasional Flooding
Inolerant of
Dry Soil
Propagation
By division
Plant Planting Notes
Spreads rapidly via rhizomes.
Plants/Diseases
No significant disease or pest issues.
Leaves
Leathery fronds with deeply cut leaflets.
Bark
Black stems.
Toxicity
No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Light Exposure
Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade
Soil Moisture
Moist
Soil Drainage
Well-drained, Poorly Drained
Soil pH
Acidic (less than 6.0)
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
Bogs, blackwater bottomlands, pocosins, and coastal plain depression ponds.
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Common in the coastal plain and uncommon in the piedmont and sandhills.