Athyrium filix-femina

The lacy 30–36" fronds of the deciduous, native species Athyrium filix-femina, Lady Fern, unfurl pale green and turn darker as the season progresses. Easy to grow in moist, humus-rich soil in part to full shade, it is deer resistant and an excellent choice for naturalizing along streams, borders, and shaded beds. Makes a superb companion for Oriental Lilies.

Athyrium is a cosmopolitan genus with 160-200 species of deciduous terrestrial Ferns in the Athyriaceae family. They are endemic to mostly moist woodlands in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, in both temperate and tropical regions. Their great diversity in size and varied coloration have not gone unnoticed, or unappreciated, for many unique forms have been selected for cultivation, particularly during the heyday of the Victorian Fern craze. Relatively slow-growing and sporting delicate feathery fronds, Athyrium Ferns are dependable, easy-to-grow plants that are ideal for naturalizing, concealing ripening bulb foliage, carpeting the ground beneath Lilies, or edging a woodland path.

For more information on the growing and care of Ferns, click Growing Guide.