5 Favorite Hardy Native Ferns

by Bailey Sons – January 30, 2023

Native Ferns

Native ferns are bio-indicators, clean the environment, and are a low-maintenance and long-lasting shade addition that can add greenery and beauty without any maintenance needed... Native ferns have been growing for thousands of years, making them the perfect choices for any part of your environment. In this article, we'll dive into five hardy native plants that easily fit into any corner of your yard or garden - a true testament to their tolerance for different climates and conditions! Let's get started!

Hay scented Fern

It is known as the fragrant Hay Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is a yellowish-green plant with feathery fronds that emit the scent of hay that has been crushed in the late summer. Hay-scented Ferns are found in meadows and open spaces in the canopy of trees throughout the Adirondacks and change to a golden yellow in autumn.Hay-scented Ferns do not have a lot of applications in medicine. However, some indigenous American groups utilized the plant to treat various illnesses. The Cherokee utilized an infusion of a compound to treat chills. The Mahuna utilized the Fern for hemorrhages in the lungs. The Fern with a scent of hay thrives best in the shade between whole and part shade and moist, organically rich soil. It is a plant that can be adapted and is also tolerant of rocky, weak, and dry soil after it is established. The Fern is spread vigorously through the rhizomes, which form dense colonies.Plant a hay-scented fern in the springtime. After planting, water the plants thoroughly and keep doing it each week for the first season.

Christmas ferns

The Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) isn't only an ideal evergreen that adds color to the holiday season. The dense dark green fronds sparkle all year round with very little maintenance, provided it's in the perfect cool, moist and shady environment.Silvery-green fronds that are tightly coiled unfold in springtime and grow in colonies of rhizome-spreading clumps that work great as borders or accent plants. They are an excellent match for perennial wildflowers and other ferns that love the shade and don't care about the type of soil, which makes them perfect for gardens in the woodland or cottage. They can also be placed in groups on slopes to aid soil erosion.While they remain green during winter, The fronds lose the upright and arching appearance and lay down flatly on the earth. If they're not covered with snow, they can provide an excellent shelter for birds who visit your garden, and they're a big fan of nest-building fronds.This evergreen, clump-forming plant is an excellent specimen plant, a border plant. Dark green, lightly shiny fronds look great with the foliage of other perennials that love the shade. Heavy snowfall can flatten fronds; however, they are evergreen.

New York ferns

Ferns are a classic shade plant that is perfect for places in the landscape where the other plant species do not thrive. Planting New York ferns is a good option because they are simple to keep in check, return every year, and grow to fill up spaces. They produce trailing rhizomes, which assist in the growth of new fronds, which means you will get an increase in the number of fronds each year.New York fern care is undoubtedly a little work, but they will flourish provided you offer them the proper conditions. They require at least a little shade and prefer acidic soil. They can tolerate dry conditions; however, they only require a little irrigation once established. Plant them in a shaded woodland area, a marshy area, or near a stream to get the most optimal outcomes.Native New York Fern is widely scattered and scarce in Illinois (see the Distribution Map). This Fern is classified as endangered by the state and endangered, but it is found more frequently in the areas farther to the east. Habitats include moist forests, downland sandy woodlands, sandstone cliffs that are shaded and low areas that run with streams that flow through woodlands with shaded seeps and springs in ravines and hillsides, and swamps. In Illinois, the Fern can be located in habitats of high quality in which the original flora of the ground remains intact.

Maidenhair ferns

Maidenhair ferns feature delicate leaf segments with a fan shape, typically on black, wiry stems. Their leaves are shorter than other fern species. Apart from being a highly sought-after houseplant of ferns, The maidenhair fern is also discovered in the natural world, growing in areas that most other plants don't, such as on rocks and between fractures in the rock in which the water seepage is what keeps the ferns alive. While they're visually stunning at all stages of their growth, they're considered a fern with slow growth, lasting up to three years to reach mature size.The art of growing maidenhair ferns in your garden or indoors is easy. The plant is usually found in full to partial shade and likes moist, well-drained soil that has been amended by organic matter, as its natural environment in humus-rich forests. The ferns don't like dry soil. They thrive best in slightly acidic soils; Maidenhair ferns prefer soil with a higher alkaline pH. Add some crushed limestone to the potting soil for containers and mix it with your garden gardens, which can help in this.The care of ferns with maidenhair is a little work. While they must be kept dry as part of maintenance, it is essential to be cautious not to drown the plant. This could lead to root and stem mold. However, do not let the hair dry out, either. If it gets dry, take your time to toss it into the trash. Soak it in water for a while, and the maidenhair fern will grow new leaves.

Ostrich ferns

Ostrich ferns can be stunning plants that can cover up areas not covered by a garden. They are immune to typical garden troubles and are simple to maintain. It is possible to enjoy a beautiful, lively garden, with gorgeous leaf elements, with very little maintenance.More textural than vibrant Ostrich ferns produce enormous fronds of bright green leaves. As they emerge in spring, their distinctive fiddleheads are likely among garden plants' most widespread plant species. As with others in the fern family, the unique characteristic of ostrich ferns can differentiate between fertile and infertile frosts. The sterile fronds are what the majority of people initially envision due to their massive green, vibrant leaves.Like other ferns and ferns, Ostrich ferns are a favorite of moist soil. It is best to plant them in rich organic soil that's acidic. Maintaining them in a consistent state of being nearly wet will result in abundant growth. Beware of letting the Fern get dry, which results in the drying and browning of leaves. Dry soil can also lead to slow growth, which is smaller.Ostrich ferns like shady areas. They are more resilient than others; they can withstand an adequate amount of sun so long as they don't dry out. The more sunlight they're exposed to, the more moisture they need. In warmer climates, any more than a bit of sun could result in foliage burning and further water needs. Ostrich ferns generally prefer cooler climates but struggle with warm climates of southern Europe.

Native Ferns Helps Clean The Environment

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New York Fern

The New York Fern is a native, deciduous species with delicate, lacy fronds and a distinctive appearance, commonly found in Eastern North American woodlands. These medium-sized ferns offer a delightful display of yellow-green fronds that carpet the forest floor. The fern has a delicate blade shape with a triangular leaf structure. The plant's blade is most comprehensive in the middle and tapers sharply at both ends. The New York Fern is a type of plant that grows well throughout the eastern part of North America, and it's found in large numbers throughout New York. This perennial is what you need to fill specific spaces in your yard that would benefit from greenery but might not be as friendly towards some of the flowers that currently occupy your space. Let's see why this plant might fit your current landscape well. New York Fern Reduces Soil Erosion and Weed Growth The fern is typically used as ground cover in areas where grass and other plants don't do as well. As a result, filling these spaces comes with some benefits. First, this plant takes root to prevent soil erosion in areas where soil isn't being kept in place by root systems. As an added benefit, the growth of this lush green plant throughout your yard makes it difficult for weeds to take root, preventing unwanted weed growth. New York Ferns Absorbs Airborne Pollutants These plants are adept at capturing pollutants from the air, making it easier for you to breathe and enjoy your outdoor space. If you're constantly bothered by dust or pollen, consider adding this plant to your landscape and others known to improve air quality. Add Bio-Diversity To Your Garden With The New York Ferns Biodiversity is essential on any property, and you'll find that this plant is a friend to local wildlife. For example, this ground cover is known to serve as an excellent cover for certain animals like toads. The better news? It's not a plant typically sought after by larger animals like deer, which means it will cover other animals until the cold weather comes in. New York Fern is a fast-growing plant that will quickly establish itself in your space, and trailing rhizomes will constantly be shooting up additional fronds that provide an even thicker look to your space. If you're looking for something hard to ruin and will start thriving in specific spaces almost immediately, this is the ground cover to go with.

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Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate, deciduous plant with finely divided, fan-shaped fronds and distinctive black stems, adding an elegant touch to shaded gardens and moist woodlands. It is an aesthetically pleasing plant that offers a range of benefits when used in landscaping. Its unique characteristics and visual appeal make it famous for outdoor and indoor spaces. The Maidenhair is prized for its delicate leaves and long lifespan. The scientific name is Adiantum SPP, and it's part of 250 species of these plants, including the Northern, Delta, and Southern Maidenhair ferns. The Greek part of the plant's official name means unwetted, and it gets that name from its ability to shed water without getting damp. These plants are native to the Himalayas, East Asia, and the eastern part of North America. Maidenhair Fern's Leaves Adiantum spp are prized for their fan-shaped leaves. They are known to make excellent houseplants and usually grow between one and two feet tall and the same width. Their stems are wiry black, while the leaves are bright green. Gardeners can expect them to reach their full height in three years, and with proper care, they can live up to 15 years. Maidenhair Fern Grows Well In Pots Adiantum SPP grows well in pots, containers, and terrariums and can be replanted as it outgrows its container. It also makes great container plants and can be planted in shade gardens and hosta gardens. The Adiantum SPP is known for its air purification qualities. The leaves draw in airborne toxins and are used as nutrients, helping them clean the air wherever they are planted. They also release moisture, which can help combat dry indoor air. When the Adiantum SPP is grown outdoors, it can help stabilize loose soil and cover wildlife, including frogs, lizards, and birds. Birds will sometimes use the dried frons to line their nests. Companion Plants For Maidenhair Fern The Adiantum SPP can be grown with other flowers and ferns, including the strawberry begonia, coral bells, ginger, woodland geraniums, bloodroot, hostas, hellebores, and pulmonarias. Gardeners can enjoy the calmness of Maidenhair Ferns indoors and outdoors. They make excellent potted plants and look wonderful around water features and along hillsides. They can also be combined with other ferns and flowers to create eye-catching garden beds.

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Ostrich Fern

The Ostrich Fern is a large, deciduous fern with graceful, feathery fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. It is commonly found in moist woodland areas and is prized for its ornamental value. The plant is a magnificent and beneficial plant with several advantages in landscaping projects. The Tall and Lovely Ostrich Fern Ostrich Fern is an attractive dimorphic plant that gardeners use all year round to beautify their patches. In its nonfertile state, the plant grows to a height of 6 feet, the gorgeous fronds resembling plumes, hence the plant's name. In its fertile state, which occurs in the fall and early winter, it is much smaller. However, The shape is attractive, so it still provides pleasing shapes in a garden, even if that shape changes. The Different Phases of Ostrich Fern When nonfebrile, it is a rich, almost Kelly green, the arching fronds swooshing enticingly in the breeze. It contrasts with other blooming plants and serves as a color anchor in a garden of flowers. They're hardy, too, so you can plant them nearly anywhere to beautify a particular place. Although they aren't green and sweeping in the winter, they're still attractive as they survive the cold and snow while the perennials sleep until spring. First, Ostrich Fern's extensive root system is an excellent soil stabilizer, and the other plants in the garden will benefit thereby because its roots prevent erosion and nutrient loss in the soil. Second, they are a boon to various garden-dwelling wildlife. Several species of butterflies and beneficial insects rely on plants like it for shelter and as a place for egg laying and pupae maturation. Perhaps best of all, although fiddleheads are a delicacy for people when cooked, animals don't like their taste. So, you won't have to worry about rabbits, deer, and other woodland creatures venturing into the garden for a snack. The Serenity Of Ostrich Fern Feng shui practitioners rely on it to bring harmony to a dwelling and the adjacent garden. The way it morphs back into a verdant, thriving plant after being so much smaller throughout the winter also indicates a symbolism of new beginnings.

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