New Fact Sheet!

Overwintered evergreen fronds of Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern) on March 4, 2021.
Photo © Mary Free

Ramenta covering the emerging fiddleheads of Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern) in April.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Ramenta on the fiddleheads of Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern) in April. Photo © Elaine Mills

Underside of fertile pinnae of Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern) in June.
Photo © Elaine Millls

Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern) in landscape in June.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern) clump in June.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Found in woodlands and on rocky slopes and ledges, evergreen Marginal Wood Fern provides year round interest. It is monomorphic so its fronds are virtually the same size and shape, whether or not their undersides bear sori, the spore-producing receptacles. Sori placement along the pinnule margins give rise to the species epithet and common name.