Netted chain fern is a deciduous native fern of eastern North America that brings the grace of woodland swamps and boggy forests into your shade garden. This species typically grows 18-24 inches tall with a spread of 12-18 inches, spreading by creeping rhizomes to eventually colonize large areas into lush, naturalized drifts. Hardy from zones 3 through 9, it thrives in partial shade to full shade and handles heavy shade with ease, making it one of the most shade-tolerant ferns for regions where few plants will flourish.
Partial Shade
Moderate
3-9
24in H x 18in W
—
Low
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Glossy green sterile fronds emerge with a delicate pinkish tinge in spring, unrolling to showcase 8-10 pairs of lance-shaped leaflets with small marginal teeth. The fern spreads steadily through branching rhizomes, eventually creating extensive colonies that can verge on weedy exuberance in ideal conditions. It asks little of gardeners beyond consistent soil moisture and thrives in organically rich soils, whether in dedicated shade gardens or naturalized woodland settings.
This fern is primarily used to naturalize shaded woodland areas, wetland gardens, and moist shade plantings where it gradually establishes self-sustaining colonies. Its low maintenance and ability to spread into extensive drifts make it valuable for woodland restoration and native plant gardens seeking to recreate the conditions of eastern wetland forests.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant netted chain fern into its permanent location in organically enriched, consistently moist soil. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to account for their mature width and their tendency to spread by rhizomes over time.
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“Woodwardia areolata is native to eastern North America, where it naturally inhabits woodland swamps and wetland margins. Though it occurs throughout much of the eastern United States and was historically present in Missouri, it is now considered rare in that state and documented in only four southern Missouri counties, reflecting how human landscape alteration has affected native fern populations. The species remains a humble but valued presence in shade gardens and natural area restorations where its native habitat can be approximated.”