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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Gymnocarpium dryopteris is a deciduous Fern growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Aspidium dryopteris Baumg. Carpogymnia dryopteris (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve. Currania dryopteris (L.) Wherry. Dryopteris dryopteris Britton. Dryopteris linnaeana C. Chr. Dryopteris pulchella (Salisb.) Hayek. Dryopteris pumila V.I. Krecz. Filix pumila Gilib. G. dryopteris subsp. dryopteris. G. dryopteris var. dryopteris. Lastrea dryopteris (L.) attr. by authors to Bory. Nephrodium dryopteris (L.) Michx. Phegopteris dryopteris (L.) Fée. Polypodium dryopteris L. Polypodium pulchellum Salisb. Thelypteris dryopteris (L.) Sloss.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None Known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A good medium density groundcover for a woodland garden; their lush, bright green fronds brighten a dark forest floor. Grizzly Bear and Elk have been observed eating Oak Fern. Locations: Accent: Good Texture/Form. Flower borders and beds. Ground Cover. Cottage & Informal. Garden Architectural. Massed. Wild Flower. Woodland. Cut Flower (leaf). Containers.

Special Uses

Food Forest Ground Cover

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A small deciduous Mat forming fern with a slender creeping rhizome, and much-divided, triangular to ovate fronds. USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 - 7. Soil pH: 4.5 - 6.4. Growth Rate: Slow to moderate. Life Span: Long. Texture: Fine. Sun: Partial Shade, Shade. Prefers a neutral to acid, leafy, moist soil, enriched with garden compost, in deep shade. Soil Type: Loamy. Soil Moisture: Moderate. Minimum Root Depth: 12 inches (30cm). Root Type: Long Rhizome. Seasonal Interest: Spring-Fall. The broadly triangular leaves are divided into 3 approximately equal primary divisions, each turned to a heavily horizontal position. Sprawling, it often shows slightly twisted leaves and leaflets. Requires cool, moist, acidic soil. Good ground cover. Drought: Intolerant. Flood: Moderate. Salt: Sensitive. Soil Compaction: Intolerant. Mowing: Intolerant. Fire Damage: Intolerant. Cold Injury: Infrequent. Disease Issues: Minor. Insect/Pest Damage: Minor. Plant Concerns: Oak fern can interfere with the growth of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) seedlings. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a runner spreading indefinitely by rhizomes or stolons [1-2]. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length [1-2].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Sow spores at 15°C (59°F) when ripe or divide in spring

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Western oakfern, common oak fern, oak fern, northern oak fern

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Canada, the United States, Greenland, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and most of Europe.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

None Known

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Gymnocarpium dryopteris - (L.) Newman