Woodsia obtusa

RHS Plant Profile
blunt-lobed woodsia

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Other common names

common woodsia, large woodsia

Synonyms

Aspidium obtusum

Ferns
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A clump-forming, deciduous fern with erect and arching pale green fronds divided into numerous, paired leaflets (pinnae)

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Chalk Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Woodsiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Woodsia are small, tufted deciduous ferns with pinnate or 2-pinnate fronds, and are well-suited to a rock garden
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best grown in sandy or rocky yet reasonably fertile, moist but sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soil in partial or full shade. Does not tolerate poorly drained soil. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free