Broad Beech Fern
Phegopteris hexagonoptera
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
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.
Does Broad Beech Fern fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.