Dryopteris marginalis, commonly known as Marginal Woodfern, is a hardy, evergreen fern native to the woodlands of eastern North America. With elegant, leathery blue-green fronds that remain upright through winter, this clump-forming fern is perfect for shaded gardens, woodland borders, and naturalized native plantings. It grows 18 to 24 inches tall and wide, thriving in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Marginal Woodfern is deer-resistant, low-maintenance, and provides excellent texture and structure to shade gardens year-round.

Why choose Marginal Woodfern:

• Year-round texture: Evergreen fronds offer color and structure through winter

• Native resilience: Adaptable, cold-hardy, and deer-resistant for low-maintenance plantings

• Shade garden staple: Natural fit for woodland edges and understory plantings

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Best in part shade to full shade

• Soil needs: Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil; tolerates rocky or clay sites once established

• Maintenance: Virtually no maintenance; remove old fronds in early spring if desired

Designs for your garden:

• Woodland gardens: Adds texture and form beneath trees and larger shrubs

• Shaded borders: Excellent companion to native wildflowers and groundcovers

• Naturalistic plantings: Blends seamlessly into native and wildlife-supportive landscapes

Ecological benefits:

• Native species: Contributes to healthy soil and native ecosystem structure

• Low habitat disruption: Provides cover for insects and small woodland creatures

• Sustainable choice: Thrives without fertilizer or heavy water needs