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Asplenium Ladyfern

Athyrium asplenioides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Asplenium Ladyfern (Athyrium asplenioides)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Toxicity unknown

Asplenium Ladyfern (Athyrium asplenioides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross TimbersEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsPiedmontEastern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Athyrium asplenioides is a graceful native fern that forms neat clumps of delicate, lacy fronds. It thrives in partially shaded areas and provides soft texture contrast to flowering plants. The fronds emerge fresh green in spring and remain attractive through summer before dying back in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Asplenium Ladyfern is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

While ferns don't support pollinators directly, this species provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife. The dense clumps offer cover for ground-dwelling creatures and beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Asplenium Ladyfern need?
Asplenium Ladyfern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Asplenium Ladyfern native?
Asplenium Ladyfern (Athyrium asplenioides) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Asplenium Ladyfern HOA-friendly?
Asplenium Ladyfern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Asplenium Ladyfern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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