fern

Black-footed Wood Fern

The Story

Plant Bio

Dryopteris fuscipes is a semi-evergreen to evergreen fern with arching, dark green, bipinnate fronds that form a dense, shuttlecock-like clump. It thrives in shaded, moist woodland environments.

This species is distinguished by the dense, dark brown to black scales covering its stipes (leaf stalks) and rhizomes, giving it the common name Black-footed Wood Fern.

Uses & Benefits:

Ferns add lush greenery and texture to shaded gardens, creating a calming, natural ambiance.

Provides ground cover in shady areas, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weeds.

Supports local wildlife by offering shelter and foraging habitat for insects and birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Late fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil.
Tuck fern spores or divisions into prepared soil in early spring.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
Ensure consistent moisture; water weekly during dry spells.
Mulch around base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Transplant in early spring or fall for best results.

Pro Tip

Keep soil consistently moist and provide filtered shade for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Prune dead or damaged fronds promptly
Provide filtered shade in hot climates

Don't

Avoid overexposure to direct sunlight ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
Do not disturb roots unnecessarily

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderMoist shady garden bedDecorative shade garden

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Ligularia Heuchera Trillium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Black-footed Wood Fern questions

What zones can Black-footed Wood Fern grow in?

Black-footed Wood Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Black-footed Wood Fern deer resistant?

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

When does Black-footed Wood Fern bloom?

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

Does Black-footed Wood Fern need full sun?

Black-footed Wood Fern does best in part shade.