Crested Woodfern
Dryopteris cristata
- Native to:
- Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Prince Edward I., Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United States
iNaturalist: © marie_france_germain (iNaturalist #140191660)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Polypodiaceae
- Genus:
- Dryopteris
- Species:
- Dryopteris cristata
- USDA Symbol:
- DRCR4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 75 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- cover for small wildlife
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, organic, moisture-retentive soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers wetland or swampy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Reproduces via spores; spore germination requires consistently moist, shaded conditions and can take weeks to months.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI