Dryopteris atrata
shaggy shield fern
Overview
Dryopteris atrata is a clump-forming, evergreen to semi-evergreen fern growing 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide, forming a tidy shuttlecock of upright-arching fronds. The lance-shaped fronds are once- to twice-divided (pinnate to bipinnate), leathery, and glossy dark green, 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) long. The stipes and main veins are densely clothed in dark brown to near-black scales, the feature that gives the species its name. New croziers unfurl in spring, and the fronds persist through winter in milder areas before being cut back. The fern grows in woodland and on shaded slopes in eastern and southern Asia and tolerates shade and a range of soils, though it needs steady moisture and shelter from drying wind and scorching sun, and the fronds tatter in cold, exposed sites. Hardiness covers USDA zones 6–9. The dark-scaled stems show against the glossy foliage through the season. It produces spores on the undersides of fertile fronds rather than flowers. It is grown in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and as ground-level texture among other shade plants.
Native Range
Dryopteris atrata is native to eastern and southern Asia, including China, the Himalaya, Taiwan, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia, where it grows in woodland, on shaded banks, and along forest streams.Suggested Uses
Dryopteris atrata is grown in shaded and woodland gardens, on the cool side of borders, and among hostas, hellebores, and other shade plants for contrasting texture. It suits damp, shaded corners and north-facing beds. It also grows in containers in shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Ferns do not flower. Dryopteris atrata reproduces by spores borne in round clusters on the undersides of mature fronds, ripening through summer into autumn. New fronds unfurl from croziers in spring. The main seasonal change is the spring flush of fresh foliage.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing 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 atrata in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water during establishment and in dry spells, as the fern needs steady moisture and dislikes drought. Shelter from cold drying winds and hot afternoon sun keeps the fronds intact. A spring mulch of leaf mould conserves moisture and feeds the crown. Old or winter-damaged fronds are cut back in late winter before the new croziers rise. The fern is largely free of pests and disease, though dry soil causes the fronds to brown and shrivel.Pruning
Dryopteris atrata needs no routine pruning. Worn or winter-damaged fronds are removed in late winter to early spring before new growth unfurls. Clumps can be lifted and divided in spring to propagate or rejuvenate them.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