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.