Overview
Dryopteris cycadina is a bushy ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Dryopteris cycadina grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About
Dryopteris cycadina, the shaggy shield fern or black wood fern, is a species of deciduous or semi-evergreen fern in the family Dryopteridaceae. It is native to northern India, China, Taiwan and Japan. It grows to 60 cm (24 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) wide, and produces pale green fronds maturing to dark green, on erect rhizomes. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and north-facing, east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris cycadina
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Dryopteris cycadina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris cycadina?
Dryopteris cycadina prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris cycadina need?
Dryopteris cycadina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How big does Dryopteris cycadina grow?
Dryopteris cycadina reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
More in the Dryopteris genus
- Dryopterisshield fern
- Dryopteris affinisscaly male fern
- Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'
- Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches'
- Dryopteris affinis 'Revolvens'scaly male fern 'Revolvens'
- Dryopteris dickinsii
- Dryopteris erythrosoracopper shield fern
- Dryopteris expansa
