Athyrium filix-femina (Southern Lady Fern) Unity Grown

Athyrium filix-femina (occasionally referred to more specifically as Athyrium filix-femina var. asplenioides) is also commonly called lady fern or southern lady fern. Lady fern is a low-maintenance ornamental fern that thrives in partial to full shade, and grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Native to shady areas throughout most of the United States and Canada, Athyrium filix-femina is noted for its light green fronds and darker colored central veins and tolerates drier soil and moderate sun conditions better than most ferns, but still prefers things on the shadier, cooler end of the spectrum.

As medium-sized plants, mature lady ferns can reach 2-3' tall with a spread of up to 30" per specimen, perfect for accent plantings or low borders in shaded areas. This easy to grow fern is ideal for small spaces, rock gardens and woodland gardens, but will thrive in any shady, moderately wet location. In terms of ecological benefit, a lack of flowers means that Athyrium filix-femina won't attract pollinators, but as a host plant for several species of moth and butterfly, southern lady fern serves as food for the caterpillars of the Florida Fern moth (Callopistria floridensis) and the Brown Angle Shades (Phlogophora periculosa) among others.