Dryopteris arguta
coastal woodfern
Overview
Dryopteris arguta, coastal woodfern, is an evergreen fern of western North America, forming a clump of arching fronds 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) long from a short, scaly rootstock. The fronds are lance-shaped in outline, twice divided, and leathery, with toothed, somewhat spiny-tipped segments that give the foliage a crisp, cut look. New growth is bright green and matures to a darker green, the fronds holding through winter in mild areas. On the underside of fertile fronds, round spore clusters line each segment in two neat rows. The fern grows on shaded, rocky banks and in open woodland from British Columbia south through California, often on drier ground than most woodferns tolerate. It withstands summer drought once established, slowing or going semi-dormant in the driest weeks, and grows in cool shade with sharp drainage. Heavy, wet soils and full sun both stress it, and the fronds can scorch in dry heat. Dryopteris arguta suits dry shade gardens and the north side of walls and trees, where its evergreen, leathery fronds hold structure through the year with little water.
Native Range
Dryopteris arguta is native to the Pacific coast of North America, from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California into Baja California. It grows on shaded rocky slopes, canyon walls, and open woodland, often in drier sites than other woodferns occupy.Suggested Uses
Dryopteris arguta is used in dry shade gardens, woodland borders, rock gardens, and shaded slopes for evergreen texture. It pairs with other drought-tolerant natives under trees and on the shaded sides of buildings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Ferns do not flower. Dryopteris arguta reproduces by spores, which ripen on the undersides of fertile fronds through summer. The evergreen fronds give the plant year-round presence rather than a seasonal bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green, evergreenGrowing 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
Grow Dryopteris arguta in part to full shade in well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.0. It needs regular moisture while establishing but tolerates summer drought afterward, making it one of the more drought-hardy ferns for dry shade. Sharp drainage matters more than constant moisture, since soggy soil rots the crown. Apply a leaf-litter mulch to keep the roots cool and feed the soil. Remove winter-damaged fronds in early spring before new growth unfurls. Plants spread slowly and need little routine care once settled.Pruning
Cut away old, tattered, or winter-burned fronds in late winter or early spring before the new fronds expand. No other pruning is needed. The evergreen fronds are otherwise left in place through the year.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: 3 gallons