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Subarctic Ladyfern

Athyrium angustum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Subarctic Ladyfern (Athyrium angustum)
Photo: Jaknouse / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Subarctic Ladyfern (Athyrium angustum) 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

high

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CO, CT, DE, IA and 23 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

Ozark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Lady fern is an elegant native fern with delicate, lacy fronds that create a soft texture in shaded gardens. It thrives in consistently moist soils and naturally moist areas, forming graceful clumps that add a refined woodland feel to landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

  • Goes completely dormant in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

As a fern, it doesn't attract pollinators but provides shelter and nesting habitat for small wildlife. The dense fronds offer cover for ground-dwelling creatures and birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Subarctic Ladyfern need?
Subarctic Ladyfern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Subarctic Ladyfern native?
Subarctic Ladyfern (Athyrium angustum) is native to CO, CT, DE, IA and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Subarctic Ladyfern HOA-friendly?
Subarctic Ladyfern 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 Subarctic Ladyfern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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