The chain ferns are members of the speenwort family (Aspleniaceae). The native range of these ferns spans warm temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The genus was named in honor of an English botanist, Thomas Jenkinson Woodward (1745–1820). Two commonly cultivated species are native to North Carolina, netted chain fern ( Woodwardia areolata ), and Virginia chain fern ( Woodwardia virginica ), Both prefer partial to full shade, in organically rich, acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Fossil records extend to the Paleocene epoch. Chain ferns are suitable for woodland, native, rock, and children’s gardens. They may be used as specimens, groundcovers, accents or cover for wildlife. Quick ID Hints: ferns are generally large in size fronds are monomorphic, large and coarse sori are long, narrow, arranged in two rows end to end in a chain-like pattern along the central vein, and have a flap-like indusia sori pattern is visible on both sides of foliage secondary veins of the leaf blade split and rejoin forming a netlike pattern.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.