Dryopteris dilatata
broad buckler-fern
Overview
Dryopteris dilatata is a large, clump-forming fern with broadly triangular, three-times-divided (tripinnate) fronds 50-150 cm (20-59 in) long arching out from a stout, upright crown. The fronds are dark green and slightly leathery, and the stalks are clothed at the base in pale brown scales each marked with a dark central stripe, a reliable identification feature. New fronds unfurl from tight crosiers in spring, and the crown builds up a short, woody rootstock over the years. It does not spread by runners, instead forming a single expanding shoot-tuft, and reproduces by dust-like spores borne on the frond undersides. The fronds are deciduous to semi-evergreen, collapsing after hard frost in cold areas but lingering through mild winters. It grows in damp, humus-rich, acid to neutral soils in shade or partial shade, in woodland, on shaded banks, and in moorland gullies. It tolerates deep shade but needs steady moisture, browning and dying back early where the soil dries out, and it can be slow to bulk up into a full clump.
Native Range
Dryopteris dilatata is native to Europe, from the British Isles and Iberia to Scandinavia and across to western Asia. It grows in damp deciduous woodland, on shaded hedge banks, in moorland gullies, and among rocks, mostly on acid to neutral humus-rich soils. It is not native to North America.Suggested Uses
Planted in shaded and woodland gardens, on damp banks, and beside ponds and streams for its bold, arching fronds. Used as structural ground cover in moist shade and in fern collections. Its need for moisture and shade makes it unsuited to dry, sunny borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'8" - 4'11"
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
As a fern, Dryopteris dilatata produces no flowers. Instead, rounded clusters of spore cases form in two rows on the undersides of the frond divisions through summer, each covered by a kidney-shaped flap. Spores ripen and are shed from midsummer into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
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 dilatata in damp, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil in partial to full shade, such as woodland borders and shaded banks. It tolerates deep shade and heavy soils but needs reliable moisture, browning early in dry spells. The fern is hardy and needs no winter protection across temperate zones. Plant crowns in spring or autumn with the top of the rootstock at soil level, and mulch with leaf mould to hold moisture. Water through dry summers until well established. It is slow to bulk up, so allow several seasons for a clump to fill out.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Cut away old, collapsed fronds in late winter before the new crosiers unfurl. Remove any frost-damaged or browned fronds through the season to tidy the crown.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons