How much sun does Giant chain fern need?

Giant chain fern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Giant chain fern native?

Giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Giant chain fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Woodwardia fimbriata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) is a perennial fern native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states.

Toxicity unknown

Giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) 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

medium

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–60" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A large evergreen fern with arching, leathery fronds forming substantial clumps in shaded ravines and along streambanks. One of the largest ferns commonly grown, giving a bold tropical texture to a shade garden.

Growing Giant chain fern

Grow Giant chain fern in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Provides year-round shelter for ground-dwelling insects and amphibians in moist shaded gardens.

Common questions

How much sun does Giant chain fern need?: Giant chain fern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Giant chain fern native?: Giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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