Taxonomy

Division:

Pteridophyta | - Ferns

Family:

Polypodiaceae

Genus:

Dryopteris

Species:

Dryopteris ludoviciana

USDA Symbol:

DRLU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

120 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade,Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

small mammals, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

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

Propagation & Germination

Notes:

Ferns reproduce via spores, not seeds. Spore germination requires moist, shaded conditions and produces a gametophyte stage before sporophyte development.