How much sun does Beech Fern need?

Beech Fern grows best in shade conditions.

Where is Beech Fern native?

Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis) is native to CO, CT, IA, ID and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Beech Fern HOA-friendly?

Beech Fern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Beech Fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phegopteris connectilis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis) is a perennial fern native to CO, CT, IA, ID and 20 more states. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Toxicity unknown

Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis) 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

shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CO, CT, IA, ID and 20 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Beech fern is a delicate native fern that forms graceful colonies in shaded areas. Its triangular fronds create an elegant, layered appearance that works well as groundcover under trees or in woodland gardens.

Growing Beech Fern

Grow Beech Fern in shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beech Fern 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 ground

Wildlife value

This fern provides habitat and shelter for small wildlife and insects. While it doesn't attract pollinators directly, it supports the broader ecosystem by creating cool, moist microclimates.

Common questions

How much sun does Beech Fern need?: Beech Fern grows best in shade conditions.
Where is Beech Fern native?: Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis) is native to CO, CT, IA, ID and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Beech Fern HOA-friendly?: Beech Fern 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.

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

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