The Story
Plant Bio
Woodwardia fimbriata, the giant chain fern, is a large, upright-to-arching evergreen fern native to western North America, where it inhabits moist coniferous forests, stream banks, and coastal seeps. It forms a bold, vase-shaped rosette of coarse, leathery, bipinnately compound fronds that can reach heights of eight feet under optimal conditions.
The common name derives from the linear sori arranged in neat, chain-like rows along the undersides of the pinnae, which appear as raised bumps on the upper leaf surface. New growth emerges as fresh, light green fronds from a robust, short-creeping rhizome covered in distinctive cinnamon-brown scales.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
96"
Width
78"
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
High
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Western North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in partial to full shade with rich, organic, moisture-retentive soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and amend with compost or leaf mold to mimic a forest floor.
- Plant the rhizome crown slightly above the soil line to prevent waterlogging and crown rot.
- Water deeply and apply a thick layer of organic mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Pro Tip
Plant in rich, humus-heavy soil with consistent moisture, as even brief periods of drought cause the fronds to scorch and decline rapidly.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist to wet, ensuring it never dries out completely.
- Apply a light top-dressing of organic compost or leaf mold around the base in spring.
- Provide shelter from harsh, desiccating winds to protect the large fronds.
Don't
- Do not allow the soil to dry out, which triggers rapid scorching and wilting.
- Avoid planting in stagnant, poorly drained waterlogged muck that lacks oxygen.
- Never prune into the living green crown or old leafless wood.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Giant Chain Fern questions
What zones can Giant Chain Fern grow in?
Giant Chain Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Does Giant Chain Fern need full sun?
Giant Chain Fern does best in part shade.
More Woodwardia to compare
Virginia Chain Fern
Woodwardia virginica
Netted Chain Fern
Woodwardia areolata
Oriental Chain Fern
Woodwardia orientalis
Mama Mia Oriental Woodwardia Fern
Woodwardia orientalis 'Mama Mia'
Crispa Oriental Woodwardia Fern
Woodwardia orientalis 'Crispa'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Giant Chain Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.