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Autumn Fern

The Story

Plant Bio

Dryopteris erythrosora, commonly known under the horticultural synonym Dryopteris autumnalis, is a clump-forming evergreen fern native to forested regions of East Asia. It spreads slowly via short creeping rhizomes to form an upright, vase-shaped mound of arching, triangular fronds.

This species is distinguished by its young fronds, which emerge in spring with copper-pink, bronze, or orange-red tones before maturing to a glossy deep green. The undersides of the pinnae bear sori covered by bright red indusia, providing seasonal interest as spores mature.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking seasonal color transitions with copper-red spring growth maturing to glossy deep green.

Serves as a highly deer- and rabbit-resistant ground cover for deeply shaded garden areas.

Offers protective ground cover and sheltered micro-habitats for small woodland wildlife and invertebrates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

24"

Width

24"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Consistent

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with rich, acidic, organic-rich soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
Maintain consistent moisture, ensuring the soil never dries out completely during the establishment phase.

Pro Tip

Leave the old, tattered fronds intact through the winter to shield the crown from cold; shear them back to the ground in late winter just before the new fiddleheads begin to unfurl.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer dry spells.
Apply a light top-dressing of organic compost around the base in early spring.
Leave old fronds on the plant through winter to protect the crown from cold damage.

Don't

Do not allow the root zone to dry out completely, which causes irreversible frond desiccation.
Do not apply heavy synthetic chemical fertilizers, which can burn the delicate root system.
Do not prune or shear back the foliage during the active summer growing season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade GardensWoodland GardensUnderstory PlantingBorder ForegroundsContainer Specimens

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Tiarella Acer palmatum Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Fern questions

What zones can Autumn Fern grow in?

Autumn Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Fern deer resistant?

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

Does Autumn Fern need full sun?

Autumn Fern does best in part shade.