perennial

Log Fern

Dryopteris x separabilis

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

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Can be toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

A semi-evergreen to deciduous hybrid fern featuring lush, arching, finely-divided, dark green fronds. It forms a dense, vase-shaped clump and is well-suited for shaded woodland gardens. A sterile, naturally occurring hybrid fern known for its vigor and intermediate characteristics between its parents, Dryopteris goldiana and D. intermedia. Its fronds are less broad than D. goldiana but more substantial than D. intermedia, offering robust texture in the shade garden.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, green texture to shaded gardens, providing year-round visual interest.

Helps retain soil moisture and prevent erosion in shady, moist areas.

Supports local wildlife by providing cover and moisture retention in shaded habitats.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
Tuck in spores or small divisions in early spring.
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity.
Mulch around roots to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Transplant if necessary in early spring or fall.

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture and shade for healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain soil moisture
Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding

Don't

Avoid direct sun which can scorch fronds ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Over-fertilizing can cause weak growth

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 gardenMoist border with fernsNaturalistic shady corner

Companion Plants

Hostas Astilbe Trillium Solomon's Seal Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Log Fern questions

What zones can Log Fern grow in?

Log Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Log Fern deer resistant?

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

When does Log Fern bloom?

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

Does Log Fern need full sun?

Log Fern does best in part shade.