Also known as Wood Fern · 2k saves
Dryopteris
Dryopteris, the genus most gardeners know as wood fern. We track 74 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Dryopteris varieties
See all 74 Dryopteris varieties →Search this genus →
12 species of Dryopteris
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Dryopteris in Sow
Save the Dryopteris you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Dryopteris
Whats common across all Dryopteris varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Dryopteris year
- MulchMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back any old or damaged fronds before new fiddleheads emerge.
- DivideMarch and April98% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 5-10 years.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October50% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Prune dead fronds in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
What goes wrong with Dryopteris
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed fronds | Use organic slug bait or handpick slugs |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue on fronds | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Fungal rot | Yellowing or browning fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Spotted or discolored fronds | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves and rotting roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Dryopteris
Division
- Dig up the fern in early spring or fall.
- Divide the root clump into sections with at least one frond each.
- Plant divisions in prepared soil and water thoroughly.
- Keep soil moist for several weeks to establish roots.
Spores
- Collect mature spores from the undersides of fronds in late summer.
- Sprinkle spores onto moist, sterile seed-starting mix.
- Cover lightly with soil and keep humid for 6 weeks.
- Maintain indirect light and consistent moisture.
Dryopteris questions
How many types of Dryopteris are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 74 distinct Dryopteris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Dryopteris grow in?
Across its varieties, Dryopteris covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Dryopteris bloom?
Most Dryopteris varieties bloom in early spring, late fall, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Dryopteris should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.