Foliage Gardens - Catalog, Ferns

Fern Terminology

Genus Characteristics

“In dappled shade - a Fountain of green lace - Lavish as any flower.” - Haiku for defining a fern.

FERNS 2008

ADIANTUM × MAIRISII: is an interesting lacy old (pre-1885) deciduous/evergreen maidenhair hybrid between Adiantum capillus-veneris, which it resembles, and an unknown. (DNA analysis welcome.) Spreads slowly in humusy soil in Zones 8 (7?) to 10. 15” . Rare. 8.00

ASPLENIUM TRICHOMANES: The maidenhair spleenwort is an exceptional evergreen for the foreground in either partial shade or partial sun with a preference for rock gardens and good drainage. It is a wee evergreen growing to 8” more or less depending on the garden placement. One of the easiest of the aspleniums (and one of the few that are slug resistant) it is found in rocky crevices worldwide and the mortared walls of historic buildings in the UK and Europe. Adaptable Zones 3 to 9. 9.00

ASPLENIUM TRICHOMANES ‘PLUMOSUM’: The jewel from a collection of A. trichomanes cultivars, this ruffled dwarf is a specimen for the foreground of the garden or better yet for admiration in a prominently displayed pot or trough. Evergreen. 8”. Zones 3-9. Limit 1 please. 10.00

ASTROLEPIS SINUATA: (Syn. Cheilanthes sinuata): Wavy cloak fern is living proof that not all ferns are shady woodlanders. This pinnate xeric is “cloaked” with white curly hairs on the fronds’ undersides and is a showstopper in our garden. It needs bright light, gritty, good draining soil and protection from winter wet. I grow it under the eaves facing south with filtered summer sunlight. Evergreen 15”. Zone 8-10. 8.00

ATHYRIUM OTOPHORUM: Auriculate lady fern: This is a colorful delight of Japanese origin with light green bipinnate fronds and a dark wine hue spreading onto the foliage from the rachis. New growth is the color of lime sherbet and displays well when surrounded with dark greens. Eastern customers (Zone 6) recommend spring planting. Semi-evergreen in mild winters here, usually deciduous. 2'. Zone 5?9. 8.00

BLECHNUM SPICANT: Deer fern. Our handsome west coast native with a flat evergreen rosette of sterile fronds and upright deciduous fertile fronds waving to the wind to disperse spores. Best in moist decomposing peaty soils (no lime). Occurs naturally and handsomely with creeping woodlanders and adapts to deep shade. 2’.Zone 5-8. Small plants. 6.00

CHEILANTHES BONARIENSIS: Golden cloak fern which is actually a hairy blue lover of acid rock crevices. Needs excellent drainage and no winter wet. Look for a gritty site. Evergreen. 1’. Zones 8-9. Limit 1. 8.00

CHEILANTHES ECKLONIANA: This new to US xeric from South Africa is not soil specific, but is accustomed to summer rainfall and dry winters. Furry finely divided evergreen fronds to 18”. Zone 8-10. 8.00

CYRTOMIUM FALCATUM × CARYOTIDEUM: This handsome hybrid combines the gloss of C. falcatum and the frond architecture of C. caryotideum. As a bonus it is more cold tolerant than either parent succeeding with mulch in Zone 5-6 sites where neither parent offers reliable cold tolerance. With substantial evergreen fronds ranging from 18” to 2’ it serves well with lacy companions. Zones 5-9. 8.00

CYRTOMIUM FORTUNEI VAR. INTERMEDIUM: Beautiful matte, yellow green, once pinnate holly-like foliar highlight in the company of dark lacy foliage. Reputed to be the hardiest of the holly ferns. Evergreen 12”+ horizontal fronds. Also easy indoors. Zones 5-10. A best seller. 8.00

CYRTOMIUM MACROPHYLLUM: Large leafed holly fern with pale green, broad, cup like pinnae. Nice foliar contrast among deep green shrubs and ground covers or in the company of yellow and green variegated hostas. Evergreen. 2’. Zone 6-10. Small plants. 7.00

DRYOPTERIS AFFINIS ‘CRISPA GRACILIS’: A rugged dwarf that is a delight in the foreground of the shady to partially sunny rock garden, or container. Forest green fastigiated, evergreen fronds radiate with crisp pinnae resembling a tiny conifer. 8”. Zone 4-9. Small plants. 6.00

DRYOPTERIS CONJUGATA: This once pinnate evergreen is similar to many other Asians (D. cycadina etc.) that are beautifully adapted to Zone 6-8 dark woodlands. New introduction. 2-3’. Limit 1 please. 9.00

DRYOPTERIS CRISPIFOLIA: is an elegant lacy evergreen for shade with (yes, crispy) foliage. It is slow growing and horizontal in its bright translucent green presentation but unlike the similar D. dilatata ‘Crispa Whiteside’ not subject to the infestations of leaf hoppers which have been disfiguring fronds in the northwest since 1998. 2’; Zone 6-9. Rare. 9.00

DRYOPTERIS CRISTATA: “crested wood fern” which is not crested, but is a low semi-evergreen with slightly overlapping pinnae. Ideally suited for a wet to boggy site. 2’. Zones 3-8. Small plants. Limit 1. 6.00

DRYOPTERIS ERYTHROSORA ‘PROLIFICA’: is an open small version of the species with the typical copper color of the type on linear pinnae. The fronds (especially when warm or stressed) may produce propagable bulbils. Well behaved evergreen. 18-24”. Zone 5?-8. 9.00

DRYOPTERIS FUSCIPES: Triangular fronds are briefly pink tinged in new growth. Rare slow growing evergreen. 18”. Zones 7?-9. Limit 1 7.00

DRYOPTERIS LABORDEI: A new introduction from Asia, this evergreen greets the spring with fronds briefly tinged warm yellow/ochre. Shiny, triangular bipinnate fronds mature at 2’. Zones 7-9. 9.00

DRYOPTERIS LEPIDOPODA: Sunset fern: This handsome coral, orange and gold Himalayan resembles D. wallichiana in outline but is enhanced with warmer sunset hues in new growth. It looks superb with yellow flowered primulas and the feathery flowers and spring foliage of epimediums. A favorite, sturdy bipinnate evergreen. 2'. Zone 6?9. 8.00

DRYOPTERIS STENOLEPIS: is a stretch version of the useful once pinnate Asian evergreens that complement shady compositions and are easily introduced to the garden. Rarely available. 3-5’ Zone (7?) 8-9. 8.00

DRYOPTERIS SUBLACERA: Leathery and substantial matte green foliage contrasts with finely divided ferns. Evergreen. 2’. Zones 6-8. 9.00

DRYOPTERIS X COMPLEXA: (D. affinis × D. filix-mas) ‘ROBUST’: Bold 3-4’ vigorous evergreen bipinnate fronds give this fern massive substance. Once established it is remarkably drought tolerant. Great for screening. A best seller. Golden scales on new growth. Zone 4-9. 8.00

DRYOPTERIS X SEPARABILIS: is the rare east coast hybrid between D. celsa and D. intermedia. Upright narrowly triangular fronds are bipinnate on tall stipes. Semi-evergreen to evergreen. 30”. Zone 4-9. 8.00

DRYOPTERIS WALLICHIANA SSP. CORIACEA: Syn. D. iranica is a vigorous grower from Iran and Turkey considered intermediate between D. wallichiana and D affinis. Has the vigor of both without the colorful new growth of the former. Evergreen. 4-5’. Rare. Zone 6-9. 8.00

DRYOPTERIS YIGONGENSIS: Allied in Asia with D. wallichiana and its relatives, this is an 18-24” version suitable as a more modest but colorful statement. Warm hued new growth. Evergreen. Zone (6)-8. 8.00

PHYLLITIS SCOLOPENDRIUM ‘KAYE’S LACERATE’: Leathery, evergreen somewhat sun tolerant fronds looking remarkably like kelly green leaf lettuce offer a substantial low 4-12” element for the garden’s foreground. Likes an alkaline site (such as near concrete). Zone 5-9. 8.00

POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM ‘CRISTATUM’: Crested hard shield fern. Upright arches of fronds tipped with broad fans of foliage. Prefers neutral to basic soil. New to US. Evergreen. 2-3’. Zones 4-8. 9.00

POLYSTICHUM DRACOMONTANUM: this colonizer from high elevations in South Africa displays glossy fronds similar to polystichums of Asian origin. 3’ evergreen foliar vases. Likes moisture. Zone 6-8. 9.00

POLYSTICHUM MAKINOI: Makinoi’s holly fern. The glowing dark forest green toothy bipinnate foliage on this Japanese evergreen is a very attractive garden display combining well with pastel leafed hostas. Increasingly popular with customers on both coasts. 2'; Zone 5-9. 8.00

POLYSTICHUM MONTICOLA: a bipinnate beauty native to rocky sites in South African mountains but best cultivated in gritty woodland shade. Rarely available. Evergreen. 30”. Zone 8-9. Limit 1 9.00

POLYSTICHUM NEOLOBATUM: A Foliage Garden introduction of many years ago, which exceeds all standards for exceptional ornamental value and hardiness. This leathery, bristly bipinnate evergreen thrives in Zone 6-9 Glistening fronds are enclosed in papery scales. It is one of only a few ferns not flattened by wet snow 2'. Protect from sun. 8.00

POLYSTICHUM PSEUDO-MAKINOI: Shaped like P. makinoi but without the gloss on the fronds. From Asia it offers a shrubby evergreen presence of 2-3’ in shadelands. Rare in US cultivation. Zone 6-8. 8.00

POLYSTICHUM SETIFERUM CV: A Fancy Fronds introduction described by British experts as resembling a congested divisilobe. Slow to establish evergreen foreground plant. 6-8” Zones 6-8 Small plants 6.00

POLYSTICHUM TAGAWANUM: from Japan is a handsome (12-18”) rare evergreen for variation in the shady border. Zone 5-8.Limit 1. 9.00

POLYSTICHUM × DYCEI (Polystichum proliferum × P. braunii): One of many interesting hybrids artificially created by the late Dr. Anne Sleep of Leeds University. All involved a parent with a bulbil making propagation possible in spire of abortive spores. It has “hybrid vigor” with robust bipinnate fronds growing to 3’. Evergreen. Zones 6-9. 9.00

STEGNOGRAMMA POZOI is related to Thelypteris although rare and therefore more in demand. Deciduous and spreading with a height of 2’ and width to be determined. Easy in moist shade. Zones (6-7?) 8-10 5.00

THELYPTERIS SP. is an unidentified deciduous 2’ creeper that comes from spores provided by a specialist in zone 6 Germany. Moisture 5.00

WOODSIA POLYSTICHOIDES: Holly fern woodsia looks like a soft dwarf creeping Polystichum. Despite the appearance, it is tough and thrives in well drained sunny crevices. One of the first to emerge in the spring (February here). Deciduous. 6-12”. Zones 5-8. 8.00

WOODSIA POLYSTICHOIDES ‘KAMCHATKA FORM’ is a remarkable little fern similar to the above but dusted in light blue foliage. Here is a gem eligible for a partly sunny exposure in the rock garden grit or as a highlight in a trough. Deciduous. 6-12”. Zones 5-8. 8.00

WOODSIA PSEUDOPOLYSTICHOIDES: Is a delightful dwarf but not as downy and with pinnae incised. Deciduous. 8-12” Zones 5-8. 8.00

WOODSIA SUBCORDATA: Heart shaped wee pinnae trim the soft fronds on this 6-12” dwarf. Pt. sun. Deciduous. Zones 5-8. 8.00

WOODWARDIA UNIGEMMATA: Giant cascades of brilliant red emerging foliage makes this an incredibly beautiful focal point with a tropical feel. Brilliant green mature fronds stretch to 6’ or more in an effort to plant the bulbil at the frond’s tip. Evergreen. Zones 8-10 10.00

LIMITED NUMBERS OF OTHER FERNS ARE AVAILABLE........DO INQUIRE!

Crosier or fiddlehead - an unfurling frond

Entire - an undivided frond

Fertile - spore bearing

Frond - a complete leaf which is made up of the:

Stipe - a stalk or petiole which supports the blade

Blade - the leafy portion of the frond

Pinna (Plural pinnae) - a primary division of the frond - a leaflet

Pinnate - once divided; bipinnate - twice divided; tripinnate - thrice divided

Pinnule - a division of a pinna - a segment

Rhizome - the growth center of the fern - roots below and fronds above

Sorus (plural sori) - a fruit dot containing spores

Spores - the fern's reproductive unit.

Noting the name, meaning, number and distribution of species and a brief description.

Adiantum aleuticum 'Subpumilum'

ADIANTUM - maidenhair - Greek - to shed water - 200 species, mostly tropical - worldwide - stipe brittle frequently black or red-black; fronds lacking a distinct midrib; foliage delicate, lacy, often drooping; thin textured; pinna fan or wedge shaped; sori around the outer edges covered with a false indusium of curled segments; evergreen and deciduous.

ARACHNIODES - spider like - 40 species - mostly temperate - evergreen - closely related to Polystichum and Dryopteris - stipes greenish or straw colored; rhizome frequently spreading; evergreen; tall foliage usually spiny; sori central; indusium kidney shaped.

ASPLENIUM - without spleen referring to a reputation for curing disorders of the spleen - 700 species - many hybrids - worldwide - usually evergreen; small with dark stipes; foliage varied - bird’s nest fern to A. trichomanes; stipes short; sori in herringbone pattern; indusium attached to a vein opening on one side (clamshell fashion).

ATHYRIUM - to sport - 180 species - temperate and tropical; deciduous; stipes usually stout and succulent; green or straw colored and long; fronds long thin textured; sori central with half moon shaped indusium opening along one side.

BLECHNUM - Greek name for a type of fern - 220 species - temperate and tropical; evergreen and sub-evergreen leathery and dimorphic (fertile and sterile fronds different); fertile fronds erect; sori linear occupying entire space from midrib to out edge of fertile frond segment; indusium linear with central lengthwise opening (slit down the middle)!

CHEILANTHES - lip fern - 150 species - temperate, tropical and arid - stipes short, brittle, dense in growth; tufted; often scaly or hirsute; foliage evergreen also hairy or with scales on the underside; pinnae beadlike; prefers dry rocky locations; will curl in drought revive with moisture; sori marginal covered with reflexed edge of pinna but not continuous around the edge.

CRYPTOGRAMMA - hidden sori - - 11 species - mostly temperate; small evergreens with light colored stipe; rock loving; dimorphic with fertile fronds erect; sori under overlapping margins.

CYRTOMIUM - arching - 15 species - temperate & sub tropical; stipe stiff; evergreen pinnate leathery foliage; bold; low light; smoke and drought tolerant; sori central with peltate (umbrella like) indusium.

CYSTOPTERIS - bladder fern - 18 species - temperate; small delicate, common; deciduous; light green; spore black when unripe; sori on veins with hood-like covering.

DRYOPTERIS - wood fern - 250 species (my original research indicated 1213 species - the botanical splitters have been at work) - worldwide; evergreen and deciduous, small to very large; sturdy; usually divided - often finely so; hybridizes frequently; sori central with kidney shaped indusium.

GYMNOCARPIUM - naked fruit - no indusium - few species - temperate; stiff brittle stipe; horizontal triangular fronds; deciduous; thin texture; spreading via underground rhizomes; sori round.

LYGODIUM - twining - 39 species - mostly tropical; climbing ferns; sterile portion evergreen; fertile portion a continuation of the main stem & deciduous; sori on underside of fertile segments.

MATTEUCCIA - named for an Italian physicist; 3 species - temperate; very large deciduous plumy fronds; dimorphic with sterile fronds to 5'; fertile fronds to 2' with sori in hard brown pods.

NOTHOLAENA - cloak fern - false indusium - 25 species - closely allied with Cheilanthes and Pellaea - mostly arid loving small ferns with proportionately long stipes; erect inhabitants of rocky dry places; foliage frequently with hairs, scales or waxy undercoating; sori hidden in wax, scales or around edges.

OSMUNDA - Osmund - Thor - Scandinavian god of war - 10 species - mostly temperate; large deciduous primitive ferns; moisture loving; spore not on underside of leaf but on separate stalks from rachis (flowering fern).

PELLAEA - dark - dusky - 85 species - temperate & tropical; rigid stiff stipe & frond; evergreen; often with powdery or waxy coverings; stipe dark purple; foliage usually blue; simply divided; rock ferns with long wiry roots; sori marginal; continuous under rolled edges of pinna.

PHYLLITIS - leaf - often listed as Asplenium - 8 species - many varieties - temperate; stipes very short; simple undivided foliage; evergreen long fronds; sori linear; prominent like rows of buttonholes opening through central split.

POLYPODIUM - many footed - 100 species (formerly 1127 species - see Dryopteris) - widely distributed; prominent creeping rhizome; often epiphytic; evergreen leathery leaves; usually pinnate; large round sori; no indusium.

POLYSTICHUM - many stitches - in reference to the spore pattern on the under leaf; 180 species - worldwide; mostly temperate; sturdy evergreen growth in a single crown or cluster; pinnate to finely divided foliage; short stipes; frequently with shiny foliage with bristly toothed edges; sori covered with peltate indusium.

WOODSIA - named for botanist Joseph Woods - 37 species - temperate to arctic; small deciduous ferns in woods and on rocks; spores brown on the outer edges of pinna; indusium fist like opening star like from under the sporangia.

WOODWARDIA - named for botanist Thomas Woodward - 14 species - mostly temperate - acid soil; extremely large coarse evergreen & deciduous ferns; sori in long lines like strings of sausage (hence chain fern); sori linear opening in a central split.