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colorful fall leaves of rhus aromatica
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Lo’ (Fragrant Sumac) Photo © Mary Free
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Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal Wood Fern)

Evergreen Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern) emerges from melting snow cover in January.
Ramenta covering the emerging fiddleheads of Dryopteris marginalis
Ramenta and fiddleheads of Dryopteris marginalis
Underside of fertile pinnae of Dryopteris marginalis
Marginal wood fern

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Dryopteris marginalis Marginal Wood Fern Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Found* in woodlands and on rocky slopes and ledges, evergreen Marginal Wood Fern provides year round interest. It is monomorphic so its fronds (leaves) are the same size and shape, whether or not the leaf underside bears sori, the spore-producing receptacles. Sori placement along the pinnule margins give rise to the species epithet and common name. Fern Fiddleheads, Pinnae/Pinnules, Sori, Clump Height: 1–3 feet Spread: 11⁄2–2 feet Bloom Color: Non-flowering Characteristics Evergreen perennial forming vase-shaped clump Fiddleheads emerge in early spring covered with ramenta (brown scales) Compound, yellow-to-blue green fronds (leaves) with pinnate-pinnatifid to bipinnate dissection Round sori located on the outer edges of pinnule undersides from June to October Grows from vertical rhizomes; well-behaved; infrequently forms colonies Attributes Tolerates dense shade and rabbits No serious pests or diseases Deer rarely damage Winter interest Provides cover for birds and other animals Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Average to acidic, well-drained Excellent Replacement for Dryopteris erythrosora - Autumn Fern Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade Hedera helix - English Ivy Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Liriope spicata - Creeping Lily-Turf Low maintenance and easily transplanted Vinca minor - Periwinkle Use as an accent or edging plant, in shaded borders or native, rock, or woodland gardens *It is native to DC. In DE, it is uncommon in the Piedmont and extremely rare in the Coastal Plain. It is reported mostly in MD’s northern and western counties and is scattered throughout PA. In VA, it is common in the mountains and inner Piedmont, infrequent in the outer Piedmont, and rare in the Coastal Plain. Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills and and Mary Free (top right), private gardens, Arlington, VA

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal Woodfern)

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.

*It is native to DC. In DE, it is uncommon in the Piedmont and extremely rare in the Coastal Plain. It is reported mostly in MD’s northern and western counties and is scattered throughout PA. In VA, it is common in the mountains and inner Piedmont, infrequent in the outer Piedmont, and rare in the Coastal Plain. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets