Description

Common Name: broad beech fern

Type: Fern

Family: Thelypteridaceae

Native Range: Eastern North America

Zone: 5 to 9

Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet

Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet

Bloom Time: Non-flowering

Bloom Description: Non-flowering

Sun: Part shade to full shade

Water: Medium to wet

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Naturalize

Tolerate: Rabbit

Garden locations

Culture

Best grown in humusy, acidic, medium to wet, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Spreads by creeping rhizomes and can become somewhat aggressive in optimum growing conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Broad beech fern is a deciduous, Missouri-native fern which occurs in dry or rich woods, ravines and rocky wooded slopes primarily in the Ozark region of the State. An urn-shaped fern that features broad (as the common name suggests), arching, triangular, medium green fronds 1.5 to 2′ long and as wide. Fronds are once divided with the pinnae deeply cut. Unlike many other ferns, the sterile and fertile fronds of this broad beech fern are very similar in appearance. Indusium (flap which usually covers sori) in this species is not present. Formerly known and still sold by many nurseries as Thelypteris hexagonoptera.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs may visit the plants, especially in early summer. Can spread aggressively.

Garden Uses

Woodland gardens, shade gardens, native plant gardens or wild gardens.