Broad Beech Fern
Phegopteris hexagonoptera
Last reviewed: June 2026
Phegopteris hexagonoptera (Broad Beech Fern) is a deciduous woodland fern native to eastern and central United States. This shade-tolerant species thrives in moist, well-drained soils under forest canopies.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Broad beech fern is a delicate native fern with triangular fronds that create soft, feathery groundcover in shaded areas. It spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to form natural colonies and goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring.
Growing Broad Beech Fern
Grow Broad Beech Fern in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Broad Beech Fern takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Disappears completely in winter leaving bare ground
- Spreads unpredictably and can look sparse
- Too informal and woodland-like for typical HOA standards
Wildlife value
This fern provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife and insects. Its fronds offer cover for ground-dwelling creatures and contribute to the forest floor ecosystem.
Common questions
- Where does Broad Beech Fern naturally grow?
- Phegopteris hexagonoptera is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Broad Beech Fern prefer?
- This fern thrives in partial to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained soils. It naturally occurs in deciduous and mixed forests where it receives filtered light.
- Does Broad Beech Fern produce flowers?
- No, as a fern, Phegopteris hexagonoptera reproduces via spores rather than flowers. It produces spores on the undersides of its fronds during summer months.
- How can I identify Broad Beech Fern?
- This fern has distinctive triangular fronds that are broader at the base, typically 6-18 inches long. The fronds are twice-pinnate with a winged rachis and die back completely in winter.
- Is Broad Beech Fern HOA-friendly?
- Broad Beech Fern takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Broad Beech Fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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