New York Fern

Thelypteris noveboracensis (theh-LIP-ter-iss no-vee-bor-uh-SEN-sis)

Family: Aspleniaceae Native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

The New York fern is a perennial species of fern spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae) native to the eastern United States and Canada, as well as China and the Russian Far East, where it is commonly found in mesic forests, bottomland forests, bogs, and submesic forests. The species epithet is Latin for “from New York.” This fern grows in moist to occasionally dry, acidic soil. It does well in dappled sun to deep shade. Good drainage helps. New York fern is found in woodland areas and can form spreading colonies through its brown-black, scaly, trailing rhizomes. They are common in sunny patches found in gaps in the overhead canopy. This fern is a wetland indicator and can survive and outcompete other species in soil pH below 4. It makes a good addition to a woodland garden or naturalized areas, filling in gaps when spring wildflowers fade and providing shelter for toads. It can be grown in many places, including cottage, native, shade and winter gardens. It is attractive to small animals and songbirds, for nesting materials. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems : No significant problems. VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington , Director of JC Raulston Arboretum .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 45 attributes.