Woodwardia fimbriata
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GIANT CHAIN FERN
Family: Blechnaceae
Pronounced: wood-ward-EE-ah fim-BREE-aht-uh
GROWING GUIDE
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Geographic Origin:
Northwest North America.
Plant Group:
Ferns.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 8-9.
Mature size:
Height: 6 feet (2 m).
Width: 3-9 feet (1-3 m).
Leaf attributes:
Fronds can get as tall as 6 feet, although some of the largest ferns have reached heights of 9 feet in wet coastal areas.
Growth habit:
Rosette forming, deciduous fern.
Light:
Partial shade.
Soil:
Moist, fertile soil.
Rainy Side Notes
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A stand of this fern reaching its ultimate Height: of 9 feet tall, growing in the shadows of a woodland, would be a sight to see. I imagine it would look like an ancient forest where dinosaurs roamed.
Woodwardia does well in woodlands or next to streams, moist bogs, springs or ponds and even containers. This fern can even grow in full sun if extra moisture is given during our Northwest drought period. The stalks were used by Native Americans to make baskets. The placement of the sori resembles links on a metal chain and where the common name "giant chain fern", comes from. Named after Thomas J. Woodward, British botanist, 1745–1820.
Woodwardia is not very frost tolerant so grow in a woodland or protected area.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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