How much sun does Southern Grapefern need?

Southern Grapefern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Southern Grapefern native?

Southern Grapefern (Sceptridium biternatum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Southern Grapefern HOA-friendly?

Southern Grapefern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Southern Grapefern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sceptridium biternatum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Southern Grapefern (Sceptridium biternatum) 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

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 20 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Piedmont Eastern Corn Belt Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Sceptridium biternatum is a small, delicate native fern that grows in a neat clump with distinctive triangular fronds. This woodland fern goes dormant in winter and emerges fresh each spring, making it an excellent choice for shaded areas where grass struggles.

In an HOA neighborhood

Southern Grapefern is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Completely disappears in winter dormancy

Wildlife value

As a fern, it does not attract pollinators but provides habitat and shelter for small wildlife. The fronds offer cover for ground-dwelling insects and small creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Southern Grapefern need?: Southern Grapefern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Southern Grapefern native?: Southern Grapefern (Sceptridium biternatum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Southern Grapefern HOA-friendly?: Southern Grapefern 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

Ready to grow Southern Grapefern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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