Dixie woodfern Interesting Notes

Dryopteris x australis, the Dixie wood fern, a hybrid between its fellow southerners, Dryopteris celsa (log fern) and Dryopteris ludoviciana (southern shield fern) offers the garden and gardener an outstanding option for an elegant, hardy and tall structural element. Dense bushes of bright green 4 to 5 foot fronds with contracted tips bearing abortive spores are semi evergreen and enjoy life in moist shade. This sterile hybrid, though southern in origin is wonderfully versatile and will withstand cold winters and do well in areas of high summer heat as well. Welcome it to your garden beds in Zones 5-9. - Casa Flora

The genus name Dryopteris means "oak fern" in Greek, because the plant is often found in oak forests.

Dryopteris × australis Growing and Maintenance Tips

Prefers moist, rich, well-drained, acidic soils in full to partial shade. Best used as a vertical accent in the woodland or shade garden or as a specimen plant.