Taxonomy

Division:

Pteridophyta | - Ferns

Family:

Dryopteridaceae

Genus:

Dryopteris

Species:

Dryopteris ×australis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Colors:

Not Applicable

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers shaded woodland environments

Germination Information