perennial

Shaggy Shield Fern

Dryopteris cycadina

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Many years with proper care

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Considered toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

A semi-evergreen fern forming a vase-shaped clump of stiffly arching, bipinnate fronds. The glossy, dark green fronds have a leathery texture, and the stalks are covered in distinctive shaggy, dark brown to black scales. Its most distinctive feature is the dense covering of shaggy, dark brown to black scales on the stipes (frond stalks) and rachises, which contrasts beautifully with the glossy dark green pinnae.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, evergreen foliage that adds texture and shade to garden spaces.

Offers durable ground cover in shaded areas, reducing soil erosion.

Supports shade-loving insects and contributes to woodland habitat.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a shaded spot with moist, well-draining soil.
Tuck seeds or divisions into soil, keeping roots moist.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Transplant in early spring or fall for best establishment.

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain soil moisture
Prune dead fronds in early spring
Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
Expose to direct full sun
Over-fertilize which can cause leggy growth
Neglect pruning of dead fronds

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderEvergreen privacy hedge

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Ferns Japanese maple

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shaggy Shield Fern questions

What zones can Shaggy Shield Fern grow in?

Shaggy Shield Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shaggy Shield Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Shaggy Shield Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shaggy Shield Fern bloom?

Shaggy Shield Fern typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shaggy Shield Fern need full sun?

Shaggy Shield Fern does best in part shade.