Spinulose Woodfern
Dryopteris carthusiana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Dryopteris carthusiana, the spinulose woodfern, grows in moist, shaded woodlands and swamp margins across the eastern and northern United States, forming clumps of finely cut, deciduous fronds.
Toxicity unknown
Spinulose Woodfern (Dryopteris carthusiana) 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
shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
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Spinulose woodfern is an attractive native fern that forms neat, symmetrical clumps of delicate, lacy fronds. It thrives in shady areas where many other plants struggle, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings under trees or on the north side of buildings.
Growing Spinulose Woodfern
Grow Spinulose Woodfern in 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
Spinulose Woodfern is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- Fronds die back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
This fern provides habitat and shelter for small wildlife and insects. While it doesn't attract pollinators directly, it supports the broader ecosystem by offering cover for beneficial insects and small creatures.
Common questions
- When does spinulose woodfern bloom?
- It does not bloom. Like other ferns, Dryopteris carthusiana reproduces by releasing spores from clusters on the underside of its fronds rather than by flowering.
- What growing conditions does spinulose woodfern prefer?
- It does best in part shade to full shade with consistently moist, humus-rich soil, the kind of conditions found on forest floors and along stream banks and swamp edges.
- Is spinulose woodfern evergreen?
- No. Its fronds are deciduous in most of its range, dying back after hard frost and emerging again in spring, though foliage may linger longer in milder winters.
- Does spinulose woodfern need pollinators?
- No. Ferns do not produce flowers or seeds, so spinulose woodfern spreads through wind-dispersed spores instead of relying on pollinators.
- Is Spinulose Woodfern HOA-friendly?
- Spinulose Woodfern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Spinulose Woodfern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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