Dryopteris formosana
Formosan wood fern
© Sue Olsen
Fern Facts
Evergreen
Hardiness (USDA zones): 6-9
Size: 1.5' - 2'
Size (cm): 46cm-61cm
Height and Spread: Medium - 1' to 3' in height or spread in 5 years
Water Needs: Drought Tolerant
Origin: Japan, Philippines, Taiwan
Description
New fronds are bright yellow green with a long stipe covered in chestnut colored scales. The stipes are about one half of the fronds length. Fronds are triangular-shaped, deeply cordate and tripinnate. Unusual for a dryopteris the two lowest pinnnae have an elongated pinnule that points down. This easy to cultivate drought tolerant fern grows in part shade to full shade in average soil. New growth comes up late in the season. Trim old fronds back in late winter to early spring. Epithet formosana refers to the island of Formosa, now Taiwan.