Mountain Wood Fern
Dryopteris spinulosa
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Mountain wood fern is an evergreen perennial that forms neat, upright clumps of delicate, lacy fronds. This shade-loving fern thrives in moist conditions and maintains its attractive green foliage throughout the year in protected locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mountain Wood Fern takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
Wildlife value
As a fern, this plant does not produce flowers or support pollinators directly. It provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife and contributes to ecosystem diversity in shaded garden areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mountain Wood Fern need?
- Mountain Wood Fern grows best in shade conditions.
- Where is Mountain Wood Fern native?
- Mountain Wood Fern (Dryopteris spinulosa) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Mountain Wood Fern HOA-friendly?
- Mountain Wood 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 Mountain Wood Fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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