Oak Fern

Scientific name

Gymnocarpium dryopteris

Description

The Oak Fern is a small, delicate fern that can grow up to 35 cm in height. It can grow in solitude, or in extensive patches originating from dark underground stems that boast scattered leafstalks. Each fern has 2-3 pinnate fronds which are broadly triangular, 5-18 cm long and 5-25 cm wide. The stalks are very slender, shiny, straw-coloured, and lightly scaled at the bottom. Spore clusters are small, circular dots on veins near edges and are without membranes.

Planting conditions

Oak Fern grows best in moist conditions with full shade or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, cool sand, clay or loam soil types. This fern species can be naturally found in moist forests, around shaded wetlands, or along shoreline slopes.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Fern
• Height:
  • 35 cm
• Spread:
  • 50 cm