Overview
Dryopteris goldieana is a fern in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family. Dryopteris goldieana grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and naturalizing. It is native to E Canada to NE & Central USA.
About
Dryopteris goldieana is a woodland fern suited to shaded, sheltered sites and consistently moist, well‑drained soils. It is native to eastern Canada and the north‑east and central United States and belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family. The plant favours partial shade or full shade and tolerates loamy, sandy or clay soils with acidic to neutral pH. Hardy in the UK to H5, it is recommended for shade gardens, woodland borders and naturalising under trees.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris goldieana
About the genus
Dryopteris, commonly called the wood ferns, male ferns, or buckler ferns, is a fern genus in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I). There are about 300-400 species in the genus. The species are distributed in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific islands, with the highest diversity in eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Dryopteris", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris
In the garden
Dryopteris goldieana is a fern in the Dryopteridaceae family from eastern Canada through the north‑east and central United States. In cultivation it is used where shade and shelter are reliable, because it performs best out of direct sun and in places protected from strong drying winds. Plant into moist, well‑drained ground of loam, sand or clay; it tolerates acidic to neutral soils. Position in partial shade or full shade and choose a sheltered aspect to reduce dessication of the fronds. Maintain even moisture during establishment but avoid permanently waterlogged sites where roots can rot. In the UK landscape it suits shade gardens, woodland borders and naturalising beneath trees or large shrubs. Group several plants to achieve a naturalised effect and situate them where leaf litter and organic matter are returned to the soil, which helps retain moisture and improves structure. For best results select a sheltered spot within a shaded border rather than an exposed open bed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- loamy, sandy, clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dryopteris goldieana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Suggested uses
- shade garden, woodland garden, naturalizing
- Native to
- E Canada to NE & Central USA
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris goldieana
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations. Avoid direct sun to prevent frond scorch.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or spore propagation
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris goldieana?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations. Avoid direct sun to prevent frond scorch.
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris goldieana?
Dryopteris goldieana prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris goldieana need?
Dryopteris goldieana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Dryopteris goldieana?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
Is Dryopteris goldieana hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris goldieana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris goldieana?
Division in spring or spore propagation.
