Taxonomy

Division:

Pteridophyta | - Ferns

Family:

Polypodiaceae

Genus:

Dryopteris

Species:

Dryopteris ludoviciana

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

4-6 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade, Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Colors:

Not Applicable

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas

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 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers shaded, damp woodland areas

Germination Information