The crested woodfern (Dryopteris cristata) is native to the Northern Hemisphere. It can only grow with year-long moisture as a wetland plant, and fronds are quite high.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Dryopteris cristata is a perennial species of fern native to wetlands throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It is known as crested wood fern, crested buckler-fern or crested shieldfern. This plant is a tetraploid species of hybrid origin, one parent being Dryopteris ludoviciana and the other being the unknown, apparently extinct species, dubbed Dryopteris semicristata, which is also one of the presumed parents of Dryopteris carthusiana. D. cristata in turn is one of the parents of Dryopteris clintoniana, another fern of hybrid origin.
The crested wood fern is a wetland plant, needing year-round moisture. The fronds often grow quite tall, up to a meter or more in height, but are extremely narrow under most conditions.
This plant is toxic.
The plant is upright-ish, growing in leaf bunches, slightly leathery leaves and dark green. It has a short rootstock. The 20-30 cm leaves grow in upright sparse-ish bunches. The leaves without sporangium survive over winter. The leaf-stalk is about half the leaf blade with light-brown scales. The leaves with sporangium are longer with narrowly ovate leaf blades, usually only once bipinnate. The leaflets are ovate and pinnately lobed.
II. How to Grow and Care
Crested woodfern is a fern species that thrives in moist, shaded environments, making it relatively easy to maintain. It requires consistent soil moisture without waterlogging, so careful watering and well-draining soil are crucial. Crested wood fern also prefers a cool environment with indirect light, avoiding direct sun exposure. These factors make it an ideal fern for enthusiasts looking for low-maintenance greenery that can adapt well to the right indoor conditions.
Sunlight
Crested woodfern thrives best under partial sun conditions, where it receives dappled or filtered light which simulates its natural understory habitat. It has a notable resilience to full sun, however, prolonged exposure to intense light may induce stress, affecting crested woodfern’s growth and vitality. Deviations from its ideal light intensity could result in leaf scorch or a faded foliage color. Crested woodfern has evolved to adjust its frond positioning in response to light changes, optimizing photosynthesis while minimizing damage. Outdoors, crested wood ferns are best planted in areas with mixed light, avoiding continuous direct sunlight that deviates from its optimal light requirement.
Watering
Thriving in its native moist woodlands, crested woodfern has adapted to environments with consistent moisture. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil and is relatively tolerant of temporary dry spells. To maintain its lush foliage, watering every week is recommended. As an outdoor plant often found in temperate zones, crested woodfern benefits from the natural rainfall patterns which complement its water cycle, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation during the growing season.
Soil
Crested woodfern performs best in acidic, organically rich, moist to wet, well-drained soils.
Fertilizing
Fertilize crested woodfern seasonally with balanced nutrition fertilizers to bolster health and vigor. Apply a 10-10-10 formula at the onset of spring growth, and again in summer if the fronds seem lackluster. Limit to a quarter-strength dose to prevent root burn and overfeeding; crested woodfern thrives in nutrient-poor soils. Withhold fertilizer during dormant fall and winter months, adjusting for indoor grown specimens with year-round growth. For safe application, dissolve recommended dose in water, avoiding direct contact with foliage.
Pruning
Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
Propagation
Crested woodfern is a fern species well-suited for propagation through division. To propagate, carefully dig up a mature fern, ensuring minimal root disturbance, and separate it into smaller clumps, each with a healthy section of rhizome and fronds. Replant these divisions promptly into moisture-retentive, fertile soil, ensuring adequate spacing for growth. Consistent moisture and shaded conditions will help the new plants to establish.
Transplanting
The prime window for relocating crested woodferns spans from the refreshingly cool thaw of early spring to the balmy onset of late spring. Seek a moist, shady spot to mimic its natural habitat, ensuring your crested woodfern thrives post-transplant.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
- Ornamental uses
This plant is a great choice for shady cottage gardens, woodland gardens or near ponds and streams.
- Medicinal uses
It is known that this plant has been used as an anti-microbial agent; for example, root extracts from D. cristata (as well as the kindred species D. arguta) has been shown efficacious in expelling intestinal parasites from certain mammals.
