Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Gymnocarpium dryopteris
oak fern
A deciduous fern to 30cm tall, forming extensive colonies of bright green, triangular, 2 to 3-pinnate fronds 10-20cm long and wide
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Woodsiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Gymnocarpium are small deciduous ferns with a slender creeping rhizome, and much-divided, triangular to ovate fronds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a neutral to acid, leafy, moist soil, enriched with garden compost, in deep shade
Propagation
Sow spores at 15°C (59°F) when ripe or divide in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
Cut back in autumn as fronds fade
Pests
Generally trouble free
Diseases
Generally trouble 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.