Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum

northern lady fern

An upright, clump-forming and slowly-spreading, deciduous fern with erect to arching stems bearing lance-shaped leaflets on green fronds

Other common names
subarctic lady fern
Synonyms
Athyrium filix-femina Cruciatum Group
Athyrium filix-femina Victoriae Group
see moreAthyrium filix-femina var. angustum
Asplenium michauxii
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Woodsiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Athyrium are deciduous ferns with erect or creeping rhizomes bearing usually pinnate to tripinnate fronds, often of thin texture, and they are especially shade-tolerant

Name status

Correct

Plant range
NE North America

How to grow

Cultivation

For full cultivation notes see our advice web page how to grow ferns

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required but can remove older fading leaves if necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.