How much sun does Southern wood fern need?

Southern wood fern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Southern wood fern native?

Southern wood fern (Pelazoneuron kunthii) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Southern wood fern HOA-friendly?

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

Southern wood fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pelazoneuron kunthii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Southern wood fern (Pelazoneuron kunthii) is a perennial fern native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 more states. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Toxicity unknown

Southern wood fern (Pelazoneuron kunthii) 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

24"–36" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

A vigorous, clump-forming fern with broad, lacy, light green fronds that emerge in spring and persist into the cooler months. Prefers consistently moist, shaded ground and spreads gradually by rhizomes to form a lush, textural groundcover beneath trees or along a shaded wall.

Growing Southern wood fern

Grow Southern wood fern in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.

Wildlife value

Provides dense cover and humidity-retaining shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Southern wood fern need?: Southern wood fern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Southern wood fern native?: Southern wood fern (Pelazoneuron kunthii) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Southern wood fern HOA-friendly?: Southern 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.

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

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