Overview
Athyrium pycnocarpon is a bushy ferns in the genus Athyrium, part of the Woodsiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Athyrium pycnocarpon grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Athyrium pycnocarpon, known as the glade fern or narrow-leaved spleenwort, is a bushy deciduous fern belonging to the Woodsiaceae family. Like other Athyrium species, it features upright or spreading rhizomes with typically pinnate to tripinnate fronds that are thin in texture. This fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soil under full or partial shade, favouring sheltered, north- or east-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds, with interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Athyrium (lady-fern) is a genus of about 180 species of terrestrial ferns, with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is placed in the family Athyriaceae, in the order Polypodiales. Its genus name is from Greek a- ('without') and Latinized Greek thyreos ('shield'), describing its inconspicuous indusium .
Wikipedia contributors, "Athyrium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Athyrium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Athyrium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Athyrium pycnocarpon size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Athyrium pycnocarpon
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Athyrium pycnocarpon?
Athyrium pycnocarpon prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Athyrium pycnocarpon need?
Athyrium pycnocarpon is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Athyrium pycnocarpon hardy in the UK?
Athyrium pycnocarpon has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Athyrium pycnocarpon?
Division in spring, Spores.
More in the Athyrium genus
- Athyrium filix-feminalady fern
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae Capitatum'
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor'
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Percristatum'Crested Lady Fern
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum'Plumosum Lady Fern
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Victoriae' seedling
- Athyrium goeringianum
- Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'Japanese Painted Fern