Marginal Woodfern (Dryopteris marginalis)Wood-fern Family Marginal Woodfern is an evergreen fern native to rocky woodlands and shaded slopes throughout eastern North America. It forms tidy, vase-shaped clumps and tapered, blue-green fronds that remain attractive year-round. The species is named for the placement of its sori (spore clusters), which line the margins of the pinnules on the underside of the frond. It is highly tolerant of dry shade once established and is ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or rocky outcrops where other ferns may struggle. It does not spread aggressively but will gradually increase in size, adding structure and evergreen texture to shaded plantings.Though ferns do not produce nectar, they contribute ecological value as cover and shelter for ground-nesting insects, amphibians, and small wildlife. Companion plants include Plantain-leaf Sedge, American Alumroot, Wild Ginger, and Solomon's Seal. Leaves: Long, leathery, blue-green fronds are evergreenHeight: 1-3’ Space: 2-3’Soil: Avg-MoistExposure: Shade-Part ShadeFauna: Habitat, nesting material for birdsDeer Resistance: HighZone: 4-9Native Status: NC native, common in the Mountains, uncommon in the Piedmont, rare in the Coastal PlainProvenance: Unknown, asexually produced
