Overview

Woodwardia virginica is a fern in the genus Woodwardia, part of the Blechnaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Woodwardia virginica grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, naturalizing and moist borders. It is native to Archipiélago de Cuba.

About

Woodwardia virginica is a fern that favours moist, shaded sites and typically reaches about 0.4 m. A member of the Blechnaceae, it tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they remain moist to wet. Plant it in partial shade or full shade where soil does not dry out. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and also spans USDA zones 3–10.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Anchistea

About the genus

Woodwardia is a genus of ferns in the family Blechnaceae, in the suborder Aspleniineae of the order Polypodiales. Species are known as netted-chain ferns. The genus is native to warm temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Wikipedia contributors, "Woodwardia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Woodwardia

In the garden

Woodwardia virginica (American Chain Fern) is a fern in the family Blechnaceae, native to the Archipiélago de Cuba. It grows to approximately 0.4 m and is valued for occupying the lower layer in damp, shady ground. The genus Woodwardia places it among ferns that perform where light is limited but moisture is reliable. Give it a sheltered, shaded or partially shaded position and aim for consistently moist to wet soil; it will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay textures so long as moisture is maintained. In UK terms H7 means the plant is fully hardy, so it will survive normal winter exposure, and the USDA 3–10 range underlines its tolerance of a wide climatic span. Avoid dry, exposed sites where soils can dry out between rains. Use Woodwardia virginica in woodland gardens, to naturalise damp patches, or at the front of moist borders where its modest height keeps it in the lower planting layer. Its compact stature and preference for persistently damp soil make it a practical choice where water collects or the soil stays cool beneath tree canopies.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Woodwardia

Sunlight

Partial shade, Shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Wet

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Woodwardia virginica size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Height

0.4 m

Suggested uses

Woodland gardens, Naturalizing, Moist borders

Native to

Archipiélago de Cuba

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Woodwardia virginica

Cultivation

Prefers consistently moist, acidic to neutral soils; avoid drought conditions; tolerant of wet soils

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring

Propagation

Spores, Division of rhizomes

Frequently asked questions