Mountain Wood Fern
Dryopteris spinulosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
WY
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.
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 Mountain Wood Fern fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.