Dryopteris filix-mas – Male Fern

One of America’s most stately ferns, its beauty being exceeded only by Braun’s Holly Fern (Polystichum braunii). The robust fronds are medium green and narrow to a long, graceful tip. Though eventually deciduous, they remain in good condition until hard frosts bring out a deep golden or very dark burgundy color before they fade to brown. Male Fern is rare in the northeast, being restricted to limestone talus slopes, and tends to be a weak grower. The fern is common in Europe and Western North America and plants from these populations are more vigorous growers. The provenance of our plants is unknown.