Overview

Dryopteris pseudomas is a fern in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family. Dryopteris pseudomas grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and ground cover. It is native to East Asia.

About

Dryopteris pseudomas is a fern from East Asia that performs where light is limited, favouring partial shade to full shade in sheltered spots. It prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils that are acidic to neutral. Plant it on north, east or west aspects where soil moisture can be retained. It is commonly used in shade gardens, woodland planting and as a ground cover.

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 pseudomas is an East Asian fern suited to cool, shaded positions and is typically planted for steady, low-growing cover beneath trees and shrubs. Its native origin points to an affinity for sheltered, humid microclimates rather than exposed, windy sites, so choose a spot protected from strong winds. Plant into moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with an acid to neutral pH and keep soil consistently damp rather than allowing it to dry out. Position plants in partial shade or full shade on north, east or west-facing aspects; avoid hot, south-facing exposure. A sheltered site will reduce desiccation and stress during drier spells. Use Dryopteris pseudomas in shade gardens and woodland schemes where it can be planted between bulbs, along shaded pathways or as a ground cover beneath larger perennials and small trees. Grouping several plants will give better surface cover and help the soil retain moisture. Because it prefers humus-rich ground, incorporate organic matter into planting holes to encourage establishment. The plant’s recommended uses are shade garden, woodland garden and ground cover, so place it where those conditions are already present.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dryopteris

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

moist, well-drained, humus-rich

Soil pH

acidic to neutral

Soil moisture

moist

Aspect

north, east, west

Exposure

sheltered

Plant details

Dryopteris pseudomas size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

fern

Suggested uses

shade garden, woodland garden, ground cover

Native to

East Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dryopteris pseudomas

Cultivation

Prefers shaded, moist, humus-rich soil; avoid direct sunlight; keep soil consistently moist

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring

Propagation

Division in spring or spore propagation

Frequently asked questions