Dryopteris expansa
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BROAD BUCKLER FERN, SPINY WOOD FERN, SHIELD FERN
syn. D. assimilis, D. austriacata, D. dilatata
Family: Dryopteridaceae
GROWING GUIDE
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Geographic Origin:
Pacific Northwest and central Europe.
Plant Group:
Ferns.
Mature size:
Height: 3 feet (91 cm).
Width: 4 feet (1.2 m).
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-7, 15-17.
USDA zones: 6-8.
Heat zones: 8-5.
Leaf attributes:
Three times pinnate with leaflets in 5-20 pairs.
Light:
Shade to bright shade.
Soil:
Moist, fertile, acidic soil.
Rainy Side Notes
This fern does well in woodlands or next to a stream or pond. The starchy rootstocks were eaten by local native people.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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