Also known as Cliff Fern · 51 gardener saves
Woodsia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Woodsia, the genus most gardeners know as cliff fern. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Woodsia varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedAppalachian Cliff Fern
Woodsia scopulina 'appalachiana'
#2 most savedBlunt-lobed Cliff Fern
Woodsia obtusa
#3 most savedHeart-leaf Woodsia
Woodsia subcordata
How to grow Woodsia
What the Woodsia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Woodsia year
- MulchOctober100% of varieties
Apply leaf mold or compost to keep roots cool and moist
- PlantMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back old, damaged fronds before new fiddleheads emerge
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide shade during hot summer days
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Over-fertilize, which can cause fungal issues
- Avoid full sun exposure ❌
What goes wrong with Woodsia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue on fronds | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal root rot | Wilting and browning of fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Woodsia
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring.
- Plant divisions immediately into prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly and keep shaded for 2 weeks.
Spores
- Collect spores in late summer.
- Sow spores on moist, sterile medium in 6 weeks.
- Keep in shaded, humid environment for germination.
Woodsia questions
How many types of Woodsia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Woodsia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 51 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Woodsia grow in?
Across its varieties, Woodsia covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Woodsia bloom?
Most Woodsia varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Woodsia 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.
Keep exploring
By hardiness zone
Design with Woodsia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
