Dryopteris goldieana
giant wood fern
A deciduous fern producing broadly lance-shaped, light green fronds from a slowly creeping rhizome. Each frond is up to 1.2m long and composed of many narrow, slightly overlapping pinnae
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Dryopteris can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen ferns, with stout, erect or decumbent rhizomes and shuttlecock-like rosettes of lance-shaped to ovate, pinnately divided fronds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Canada to NE & Central USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in deep, fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade, with protection from cold, drying winds. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required, but can remove and dead or damaged fronds as required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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