Dryopteris affinis
golden-scaled male-fern
Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia
Overview
Dryopteris affinis is a robust, clump-forming fern that builds a shuttlecock of arching fronds 60-120 cm (24-47 in) long from a stout, slowly creeping crown. The fronds are once-divided into many pinnae, each lobed along its length, dark green above, and the stalk (stipe) and midrib are densely clothed in golden-brown to orange scales that catch the light, the feature behind the common name golden-scaled male-fern. A dark spot marks the base of each pinna where it joins the midrib. New fronds unfurl in spring as upright crosiers and arch out as they expand. The fern is deciduous to semi-evergreen, holding some fronds through mild winters and dying back in hard ones. Spore cases (sori) form in two neat rows on the undersides of the upper pinnae, each covered by a kidney-shaped flap. It spreads slowly from the crown and from spores in damp shade, and large clumps can be lifted and split. It needs steady moisture and shelter and scorches in dry, sunny, or windy positions.
Native Range
Dryopteris affinis is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia, growing in damp woodland, on shaded banks, and beside streams, often on acidic soils. It is most frequent in regions with high rainfall and mild winters.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded and woodland borders, beside ponds and streams, and in damp, sheltered courtyards for its bold form and scaly stalks. It combines with hostas, hellebores, and other shade plants. Its need for moisture and shelter rules it out of dry, sunny sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'11"
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
As a fern, Dryopteris affinis produces no flowers. It reproduces by spores held in two rows of kidney-covered sori on the undersides of the upper pinnae, ripening from midsummer into autumn (July to September). Many forms are apomictic, setting spores without fertilisation, so seedlings come true to the parent.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green with golden-brown scalesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Dryopteris affinis grows in part to full shade on moist, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil that does not dry out, and tolerates a pH from about 4.5 to 6.5. It needs shelter from drying wind and sun, which scorch the fronds, and steady moisture through the growing season. A mulch of leaf mould keeps the crown cool and feeds the soil. Established clumps are tough and need little attention once settled. It is increased by division of the crown in spring or by spores. Few pests trouble it, though dry spells brown the frond tips.Pruning
Old fronds are cut away at the base in late winter before the new crosiers unfurl. Frost-damaged or tattered fronds can be removed at any time. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons