Types of Ferns & Care
Ferns are an ancient family of plants. Fossilized ferns, which flourished 360-million years ago, have been discovered, dating the advent of ferns to around 200 million years before that of flowering plants. Unlike flowering plants and conifers, ferns reproduce through spores rather than seeds. There are hundreds of species of ferns throughout the world, most of which flourish in moist, shady environs. The cultivation of ferns as ornamental plants commenced in 19th century Britain. Does this Spark an idea?
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Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia Struthiopteris)
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Ostrich fern leaves unfurling The ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), also known as the fiddlehead fern, is indigenous to the forests of Canada and the northern and central United States. The young shoots of this fern emerge in tightly wound spirals, which resemble the head of a violin. These fiddleheads are not only edible, but considered a delicacy in New England where they are gathered during their short harvesting season in the spring. Possessing a crisp texture and asparagus-like flavor, fiddleheads may be steamed, boiled or pickled. Ostrich ferns are typically found in floodplain forests and along riverbanks. Their fronds reach a mature height of up to 6 feet. They prefer full shade, as well as moist, acidic soil. They are hardy in United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 2 to 8.
Ostrich ferns are typically found in floodplain forests and along riverbanks. Their showy fronds reach a mature height of up to 6 feet. They prefer full shade, as well as moist, acidic soil. They are hardy in Zones 2 to 8.
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-femina)
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The lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is a deciduous fern found in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. This fern forms dense, leafy clumps that grow voraciously and can easily overgrow more delicate species. It is often used as an ornamental groundcover in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 to 8. Its fronds reach an average height of between 1 and 3 feet. Lady ferns thrive in moist to sopping-wet soil that is neutral or slightly acidic. Although they prefer partial to full shade, sunny conditions are also tolerated.
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Holly Fern (Cyrtomium Falcatum)
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The evergreen holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is native to China, Korea and Japan. Its leathery, dark-green fronds grow to heights of 1 to 2 feet. This fern is more heat tolerant than either the ostrich or the lady fern, thriving in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. Holly ferns grow in moist, acidic, humus-rich soil and prosper in sun and shade alike. In colder climates, they may suffer damage from winter winds.
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- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images fern image by Lytse from Fotolia.com
