What hardiness zones is Dryopteris erythrosora suitable for?

Dryopteris erythrosora is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Dryopteris erythrosora?

Dryopteris erythrosora requires Partial Shade.

How much water does Dryopteris erythrosora need?

Dryopteris erythrosora has Moderate water needs.

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Ferns

Dryopteris erythrosora

autumn fern

Dryopteridaceae

Eastern Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan)

At a Glance

TypeFern

HabitVase

FoliageEvergreen

Height18–24 inches (45–60 cm)

Width24–36 inches (60–90 cm)

Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Dryopteris erythrosora is an evergreen fern forming a vase-shaped clump 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall with a spread of 24–36 inches (60–90 cm). Fronds are bipinnate (twice-divided), broadly lance-shaped to triangular-ovate, with neatly arranged pinnae and pinnules bearing finely toothed margins. The most distinctive character is the coppery-red to bronze color of newly emerging fronds in spring and intermittently throughout the growing season; new fronds mature to deep glossy green over 4–6 weeks. At any given time through the growing season, the plant displays a mix of coppery-new fronds and deep green mature fronds, creating a two-toned effect. Fronds persist through winter in zones 6–9, taking on subtle bronze tints during cold periods before new growth resumes in spring. Circular red-orange sori (spore cases) appear on the undersides of mature fronds in rows along the pinnule veins; the red sori are diagnostic and give the species its name (erythrosora = red sorus). The plant spreads slowly from a creeping rhizome to form a multi-crowned clump over several years. Growth rate is moderate; plants reach mature dimensions in 3–5 years. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to eastern Asia, including Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan. Found in woodland understories, shaded slopes, and forest margins in moist to moderately dry humus-rich soils, typically under deciduous or mixed forest canopy at low to moderate elevations.

Suggested Uses

Planted in shade gardens as a groundcover or as a specimen providing a long season of color from coppery new growth. Used in woodland gardens alongside spring bulbs and shade perennials. The coppery new growth provides strong contrast against dark-foliaged companions. The evergreen habit in zones 6–9 provides winter structure when most other ferns are dormant. Suitable under deciduous trees or on north-facing slopes where consistent shade is available.

How to Identify

Identified by bipinnate fronds 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) long with coppery-red new growth maturing to deep glossy green, and by the red-orange circular sori on frond undersides. The coppery new growth combined with deep green mature fronds giving the plant a two-toned appearance through much of the growing season is the most practical visual identification feature. The red-orange sori visible on mature frond undersides confirm the identification. Distinguished from other wood ferns (Dryopteris spp.) by the consistently coppery-red (not green or pale) new frond color and the red (not tan or pale) sori.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

copper

bronze

dark green

Bloom Information

Ferns do not flower. New fronds emerge in spring (April–May) with coppery-red to bronze color; color fades to deep glossy green over 4–6 weeks as fronds mature. Intermittent additional flushing of new coppery fronds continues through summer in favorable conditions. Red-orange sori appear on the undersides of mature fronds from late spring through fall. Fronds persist through winter in zones 6–9.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Coppery-red to bronze (new growth) maturing to deep glossy green; two-toned effect through growing season

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamhumus-rich

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3–5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows best in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with compost before planting; the plant tolerates brief periods of standing water but declines in permanently wet conditions. Water weekly for the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate 3–4 weeks without irrigation in partial shade, though extended drought causes frond browning and dieback. Mulch with 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of compost or wood chips to maintain soil moisture and moderate temperature. Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring to support strong new frond emergence. In zones 5–6, fronds may die back or brown during hard winters; remove brown fronds in late winter to allow new growth to emerge cleanly.

Pruning

Remove dead, brown, or damaged fronds at the base in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any individual fronds that have collapsed or browned during summer drought. Do not cut back all fronds at once on established evergreen specimens in mild climates — the persistent fronds provide winter interest and some protection to the crown. On plants that have experienced significant winter dieback in zone 5–6, removal of all brown fronds in late winter is appropriate.

Pruning Schedule

late winter

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic