Dryopteris filix-mas
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MALE FERN, SHIELD FERN
syn. Aspidium filix-mas
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Pronounced: dry-OP-ter-iss FIL-iks-mahs
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
North America and Europe.
Plant Group:
Ferns.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 4-8.
Mature size:
Height: 2-5 feet (.5-1.5 m).
Width: 2-5 feet (.5-1.5 m).
Leaf attributes:
Lance-shaped, 2 pinnate fronds.
Light:
Shade to bright shade.
Soil:
Moist, fertile, acidic soil.
Propagation Methods:
Division in spring.
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Rainy Side Notes
Dryopteris filix-mas is a clump forming fern found throughout North America and the Pacific Northwest. It grows happily in my Pacific Northwest garden, where it is paired with the purple foliage of the elderberry, Sambucus nigra 'Purpurea', a pleasing combination. It appears to be sun tolerant in the Pacific Northwest, receiving sun in my garden until about two in the afternoon, while my resources say it is sun tolerant in other regions. When grown in full shade, the fern is drought tolerant.
The crown of this fern produces multiple plants, so divide the male fern regularly to increase your plants and to keep the symmetry, or allow it to become a large clump of many plants. Either way, the fern provides a grand statement in the woodland garden.
Up until recently, male ferns were used medicinally to expel tapeworms. The root yields an oleo-resin that specifically treats tapeworms by paralyzing the muscles of the worm, making it release its hold. An oily purgative was taken with the root to help expel the worm from the body. The fern was also used in olive oil to make massage oil. For neutralizing poisons of shellfish and plants, Native Americans ate the raw rhizomes of this plant.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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