How much sun does Mountain Wood Fern need?

Mountain Wood Fern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Mountain Wood Fern native?

Mountain Wood Fern (Dryopteris campyloptera) is native to AL, CT, MA, MD and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Mountain Wood Fern HOA-friendly?

Mountain Wood Fern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Mountain Wood Fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dryopteris campyloptera

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Mountain Wood Fern (Dryopteris campyloptera) 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

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CT, MA, MD and 11 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 452 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

Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

This graceful native fern forms neat, arching clumps of delicate, lacy fronds that stay green through winter. It thrives in partial shade with consistent moisture, making it perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mountain 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

While ferns don't attract pollinators, this species provides shelter and nesting material for birds and small wildlife. The dense clumps offer cover for ground-dwelling creatures in shaded garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Mountain Wood Fern need?: Mountain Wood Fern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Mountain Wood Fern native?: Mountain Wood Fern (Dryopteris campyloptera) is native to AL, CT, MA, MD and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Mountain Wood Fern HOA-friendly?: Mountain Wood 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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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