Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina Lady fern is a large, decorative fern that unfurls its delicate bright green fronds in late spring. It grows and multiples effortlessly and tolerates significantly more sunlight than other native ferns, provided enough moisture is present. It is deciduous, meaning the fronds turn brown and die back entirely in the fall, preparing to burst forth with new life each spring. Its versatility and graceful beauty make it a staple of Pacific Northwest habitat gardens.  Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, fern Size at maturity: up to 4' tall, 2' wide Light requirements: full shade, part sun/part shade, full sun Moisture requirements: moist to wet soil, prefers well-drained Bloom time: n/a Growth rate/ease: moderate growth rate, easy to grow  Wildlife support: fronds are browsed by some large mammals, including bears; overall plant provides nesting and refugia habitat for birds and small mammals Native habitat/range: commonly grows in moist to wet