Southern Shield Fern

The Southern Shield Fern is a deciduous native fern that forms a bold clump of upright fronds, about 3 feet tall, which are finely divided with drooping tips. The light green coloring turns glowing bronzy-gold colors in fall, giving good winter interest. This tough fern tolerates more sun, drier soils, and the heat and humidity of the South better than just about any other fern. Grow it beneath trees, fronting large shrubs, by water, on slopes and banks, and anywhere you want rich green textures and low maintenance.

• Graceful arching fronds with the classic ‘ferny’ look
• Fronds turn beautiful bronzy-gold in fall
• Tolerates drier conditions, heat and humidity well
• Grows in full sun if the soil is damp
• Ideal for the heat and humidity of the South

The Southern Shield Fern grows well in the hottest and most humid states, but it also grows in warmer parts of zone 6. It thrives in ordinary soils, and while it enjoys damper, richer soils, it will still grow in drier conditions in shade than many other ferns. It doesn’t have pests or diseases and it isn’t eaten by deer or rabbits. A simple annual trimming of the dead fronds is all the care it needs.