4 named cultivars

fernN. America Native

Broad Buckler Fern

The Story

Plant Bio

Dryopteris dilatata, broad buckler fern, is a large clumping fern native across the northern hemisphere including Alaska, Canada and the northern United States, reaching two to four and a half feet. Broadly triangular fronds are divided two or three times into fine segments, arching outward from a central crown and holding late into winter in mild seasons.

It is one of the largest hardy ferns for shade and holds its shape better than most, with dark scales along the frond stalks marked with a distinct pale central stripe. Being circumboreal it is genuinely native to North America as well as Europe and Asia, despite being usually described as a European fern.

Uses & Benefits:

Large arching triangular fronds giving substantial structure in deep shade.

One of the biggest reliably hardy ferns, and tolerant of dry shade once established.

Provides ground-level cover and humidity for woodland invertebrates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

39"

Width

42"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Circumboreal, including Alaska, Canada and the northern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring in humus-rich, well-drained soil.
Choose dappled to deep shade.
Allow three to four feet of width per crown.
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged.
Mulch with leaf mould each autumn.
Cut old fronds back in early spring before new growth.

Pro Tip

Cut the old fronds off in early spring before the croziers unfurl — leave it later and you will damage the new growth cutting around it.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in dappled or deep shade 🌱
Mulch with leaf mould each autumn 🍂
Keep soil moist and free-draining 💧
Cut old fronds back in early spring ✂️

Don't

Plant in full sun ❌
Let it sit in waterlogged soil ❌
Cut back late, once new fronds are unfurling ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Monitor
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Large fern for a shaded borderWoodland-garden structureShaded courtyard or north-facing bed

Companion Plants

Hosta Asarum Tiarella Polystichum acrostichoides Actaea racemosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Broad Buckler Fern questions

What zones can Broad Buckler Fern grow in?

Broad Buckler 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 Broad Buckler Fern deer resistant?

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

Does Broad Buckler Fern need full sun?

Broad Buckler Fern does best in part shade.