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Southern Woodfern

Dryopteris ludoviciana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Southern Woodfern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) is a perennial fern native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 6 more states. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Southern Woodfern (Dryopteris ludoviciana)
Photo: Nom. rev. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 6 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 432 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

Middle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal Plain

Southern woodfern is an attractive evergreen fern that forms neat clumps of arching, deeply divided fronds. It thrives in partial shade and provides year-round structure to shaded garden areas with its graceful, lacy appearance.

Growing Southern Woodfern

Grow Southern Woodfern in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

Wildlife value

This fern provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife and birds. While it doesn't attract pollinators directly, it supports the ecosystem by offering habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Southern Woodfern need?
Southern Woodfern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Southern Woodfern native?
Southern Woodfern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Southern Woodfern HOA-friendly?
Southern Woodfern 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 Woodfern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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