How much sun does Clinton's Woodfern need?

Clinton's Woodfern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Clinton's Woodfern native?

Clinton's Woodfern (Dryopteris clintoniana) is native to CT, DE, IL, IN and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Clinton's Woodfern HOA-friendly?

Clinton's Woodfern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Clinton's Woodfern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dryopteris clintoniana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Clinton's Woodfern (Dryopteris clintoniana) 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

high

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CT, DE, IL, IN and 12 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 445 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 Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Clinton's woodfern is a graceful native fern that forms clumps of arching, deeply cut fronds in shaded areas. It thrives in moist, woodland conditions and dies back to the ground each winter. This fern works well in naturalized shade gardens and as groundcover under trees.

In an HOA neighborhood

Clinton's Woodfern 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

As a fern, it does not produce flowers or directly attract pollinators, but provides shelter and habitat structure for small woodland creatures and insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Clinton's Woodfern need?: Clinton's Woodfern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Clinton's Woodfern native?: Clinton's Woodfern (Dryopteris clintoniana) is native to CT, DE, IL, IN and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Clinton's Woodfern HOA-friendly?: Clinton's Woodfern 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 Clinton's Woodfern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz