Ferns

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Learn About Specific Ferns

• Adiantum pedatum (Northern Maidenhair Fern)
• Athyrium asplenioides ([Southern] Lady Fern)
• Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Hay-scented Fern)
• Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal Wood Fern) New in 2021!
• Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)
• Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (Cinnamon Fern)
• Osmunda claytoniana (Interrupted Fern)
• Osmunda spectabilis (Royal Fern) 
• Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)

 

 

---

Where to See These Ferns in our Demonstration Gardens

Many of these recommended plants can easily be seen in person at local public gardens. The following gardens feature native plants and are designed and maintained by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria.

Glencarlyn Library Community Garden
300 S. Kensington Street, Arlington, Virginia 22204

Features:
Native plants suitable for a container garden, shade garden, or scented garden

• Adiantum pedantum, Northern Maidenhair Fern in the Memorial Garden
• Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas Fern in the Woodland Garden

Shade Demonstration Garden at Bon Air Park
850 N. Lexington Street  Arlington, Virginia 22205 (near the shelter)

Features:
Native plants that thrive in morning shade and partial sun

• Adiantum pedantum, Northern Maidenhair Fern in section 2E
• Dennstaedtia punctilobula, Hay-Scented Fern in section 3N
• Osmunda claytoniana, Interrupted Fern in section 1E
• Osmunda spectabilis (formerly regalis), Royal Fern in section 3C
• Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas Fern in sections 4E, 6, 7

Other Local Public Gardens Where These Ferns May be Seen

The Potomac Overlook Native Plant Garden, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA 22207, next to the demonstration Organic Vegetable Garden maintained by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, has a variety of ferns. The garden is maintained by Audubon at Home, the Virginia Native Plant Society, and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists in collaboration with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

Features:

• Adiantum pedantum, Northern Maidenhair Ferns are in section 30
• Osmundastrum cinnamomeum, Cinnamon Ferns are in section 31
• Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas Ferns are in section 32