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Dryopteris filix-mas
Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott
Male Fern
Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: DRFI2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), GL (N), SPM (N)
The 1-4 ft. fronds are clustered on a short, horizontal or ascending rhizome. They are nearly twice pinnate; the middle pinnae being the longest. Each of the divisions are toothed. Rich green in color.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Fronds up to about 4 feet long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , HI , ID , IL , ME , MI , MT , NH , NM , NV , NY , OK , OR , RI , SD , TX , UT , VT , WA , WI , WYCanada: NB , NL , NS , ON
Native Distribution: Circumboreal, s. in America to VT, MI & irregularly through the Rockies & w. mts. (including one disjunct station in s. CA)
Native Habitat: Damp, cold ravines; rocky woods
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rocky soils.
Propagation
Description: Divide or propagate by spores.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Dryopteris filix-mas in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Dryopteris filix-mas in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Dryopteris filix-mas
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-07Research By: TWC Staff