• Image of Dryopteris filix-mas|Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC|JLBG
    |Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC|JLBG
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Dryopteris filix-mas

Male Fern

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

Shop Available Dryopteris

Item #: 5353

Zones: 3a to 8b

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 24" tall

Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade

Origin: Europe, United States

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


This native, to both the US and Europe, makes an attractive, easy-to-grow deciduous clump to 2' tall x 3' wide. Dryopteris filix-mas prefers a cool, moist woodland site and should be protected from extreme heat in the South. If your male fern looks limp and lonely, we recommend planting an Athyrium filix-femina (lady fern) nearby for good company. As a curative, Dryopteris filix-mas is also a great remedy for severe tapeworm issues, when taken with an onion and garlic salad...I'm not making this up!