About
Gymnocarpium dryopteris, the oak fern, is a delicate, deciduous fern to 30 cm tall forming extensive, spreading colonies of vivid-green, broadly triangular, two- to three-pinnate fronds 10�20 cm long and wide on slender, dark stalks. One of the most graceful of native woodland ferns, excellent naturalised in a shaded, moist border or woodland garden.
About the genus
Gymnocarpium are small, deciduous ferns with slender, creeping rhizomes and broadly triangular, much-divided fronds. Native to shaded, moist woodland habitats in the Northern Hemisphere.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a neutral to acid, leafy, moist soil, enriched with garden compost, in deep shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningCut back in autumn as fronds fade
PropagationSow spores at 15°C (59°F) when ripe or divide in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free