Evergreen Wood Fern
Dryopteris intermedia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Dryopteris intermedia is an evergreen fern native to eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. This shade-tolerant woodland fern provides year-round green foliage in moist, partially shaded gardens.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 23 more states
Evergreen wood fern forms neat, symmetrical clumps of deep green fronds that persist through winter. This shade-loving native fern creates attractive groundcover in woodland settings and shaded garden areas.
Growing Evergreen Wood Fern
Grow Evergreen Wood 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
Evergreen Wood Fern is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Provides shelter and nesting habitat for small wildlife and insects. The dense fronds offer year-round cover for ground-dwelling creatures.
Common questions
- Where is Dryopteris intermedia native to?
- Evergreen Wood Fern is native to eastern North America, with natural populations from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, including most northeastern and southeastern states.
- What growing conditions does Evergreen Wood Fern prefer?
- This fern thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist but well-draining soil. It tolerates some morning sun but performs best away from hot afternoon sun.
- Does Dryopteris intermedia really stay green all winter?
- Yes, Evergreen Wood Fern retains its fronds through winter in most climates, providing valuable evergreen structure in shade gardens when most other plants are dormant.
- How does Evergreen Wood Fern reproduce?
- Like all ferns, Dryopteris intermedia reproduces via spores rather than flowers or seeds. Spores are produced in small structures called sori on the undersides of fertile fronds, typically in late summer.
- Is Evergreen Wood Fern HOA-friendly?
- Evergreen Wood Fern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Evergreen Wood Fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz