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Blunt-lobe woodsia

Woodsia obtusa

Last reviewed: October 2026

Blunt-lobe woodsia (Woodsia obtusa) is a perennial fern native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states.

Blunt-lobe woodsia (Woodsia obtusa)
Photo: (c) Turner Brockman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

Toxicity unknown

Blunt-lobe woodsia (Woodsia obtusa) 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

6"–18" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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A small, clumping fern with light green, finely divided fronds that grow from rocky ledges and shaded slopes. Reproduces by spores rather than flowers, so it has no bloom period, and dies back each year.

Growing Blunt-lobe woodsia

Grow Blunt-lobe woodsia in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Provides fine-textured ground cover and shelter for small insects and amphibians in shaded rock gardens.

Common questions

How much sun does Blunt-lobe woodsia need?
Blunt-lobe woodsia grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Blunt-lobe woodsia native?
Blunt-lobe woodsia (Woodsia obtusa) is native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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 Blunt-lobe woodsia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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