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Lowland Brittle Fern

Cystopteris protrusa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Lowland Brittle Fern (Cystopteris protrusa)
Photo: Choess / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Lowland Brittle Fern (Cystopteris protrusa) 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

6"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 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

Cross TimbersOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsErie Drift PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Lowland brittle fern is a delicate native fern with finely divided, light green fronds that emerge in spring. This compact woodland fern forms neat clumps and dies back to the ground in winter, making it ideal for shaded garden areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lowland Brittle Fern 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 spots

Wildlife value

As a fern, it doesn't attract pollinators but provides shelter and habitat for small woodland creatures and insects. The foliage offers cover for ground-dwelling wildlife in shaded garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Lowland Brittle Fern need?
Lowland Brittle Fern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Lowland Brittle Fern native?
Lowland Brittle Fern (Cystopteris protrusa) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Lowland Brittle Fern HOA-friendly?
Lowland Brittle Fern 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 Lowland Brittle Fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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