Dryopteris Filix Mas Male Fern

Dryopteris Filix Mas | Male Fern

Dryopteris Filix Mas, known as a Male Fern, is a hardy species of the northern Hemisphere which has feathered and crested deep green foliage. As with most ferns, Dryopteris Filix Mas prefers moist soil but avoid water-logged areas. Dryopteris Filix Mas Male Fern Grows best around ponds in damp, but not water-logged ground, in a sheltered position. Tidy old foliage as required.

A Male Fern is sometimes known as Worm fern, favouring damp shaded areas in woodlands, shaded places on hedge-banks, rocks, and broken rock. Dryopteris filix-mas is a robust semi-evergreen with vigorous growth. The male fern exhibits tall upright feathery fronds and will grow in full sun, but it does need moist soil. Dryopteris Filix Mas, or Male Fern, will thrive in damp, shady woodland environments and is often grown for decoration around ponds. Dryopteris Filix Mas is very hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as −20 °C (−4 °F).

How can you tell if a Fern is male or female?
A female fern is another name for Lady Fern. Both "male" and "female" ferns are named due to the way the sori are hidden on the undersides of their fronds. A Male Fern is another type of fern which you can identify by its deeply divided leaves that come out from the stem in opposite pairs. "Lady fern" and "female fern" refer to how its reproductive structures (sori) are concealed in an inconspicuous "female" manner on the frond, and how elegant and graceful it appears.

Where do you plant moisture loving pond plants?
Moisture loving pond plants, such as the Dryopteris Filix Mas Male Fern, are suited for planting in damp areas at the side of your garden pond alongside pond plants that can tolerate drier conditions. Broad-leaved moisture loving pond plants are ideal for providing a moist area with cover for frogs, toads and other pond wildlife.

For a guide to planting and maintaining moisture loving pond plants please click here.

Features
Height: 45-60cm
Growth Rate: Medium
Flowers: N/A
Flower Colour: N/A
Position: Full to part shade
Planting Depth: to root ball

Please note: photo is for illustrative purposes and depending on time of year and growth rate may not reflect exactly what you receive. Pond Plants are shipped directly from the grower and are subject to a one-off £5.99 delivery surcharge regardless or order size/value. Please allow 3-10 working days for delivery on average.