Our native Giant Chain Fern that occupies specific spots in seeps randomly from CA to BC. Large pendant and trailing 3′ long glossy fronds form huge rosettes. Usually occupying permanently wet seeps on shady hillsides in cool places. The entire plant may be up to 5′ across. Evergreen but it benefits greatly from some early spring tidying of spent and aging old leaves. Part shade to shade in rich well drained soil with regular consistent moisture for the best look. Highly deer resistant. We’re honored to grow this, one of our most spectacular native ferns. Oregon native plant.
Plant Type: Fern
Ferns are critical in our climate as they occupy vast tracts of our own native lands. Though Polystichum minutum Western Sword Fern is durable and ubiquitous it shows us that ours is a climate that embraces ferns from similar climates all over the world. The majority of ferns that we offer are evergreen. This is an important selling point in a climate that sees little snow/cold. Ferns for the most part are relegated to shade but there are quite a few that revel in full sun too. Cheilanthes is one genus that takes quite a bit of sun. Others are ideal for permanently wet locations such as our native five finger fern Adiantum aleuticum or Dryopteris x ‘Ghost’.
Our native ferns can take some dry conditions.
Many of our native ferns make their lives on the forest floor where they compete with greedy tree roots and interrupted rainfall. Lack of drying sunlight protects these plants and they can be very drought adapted when established.- this includes not only Polystichums Sword Ferns but Blechnum spicant Deer Fern which is the second most common fern found locally. In general ferns prefer rich, amended soil and regular irrigation through our hottest spells. Ferns makes great understory plants and impart a natural and regional look to our gardens.
Woodwardia unigemmata
Relatively new fern with a great future ahead. Large growing evergreen chain fern from Asia with new growth lavishly dyed red- it settles to soft green with time. To 3′ across the fronds are held atop relatively long stems. The rubbery green leaves are finely divided with surprisingly soft lobes. Rich, moisture retentive soil in bright shade to shade. Spectacular plant at all times we have observed it. So far it has not suffered damage in my garden below 10ºF and appearance following a rough winter was good. Highly deer resistant. Spectacular.