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Oreopteris spp.
mountain fern
Overview
Oreopteris spp. is a small genus of deciduous ferns in the family Thelypteridaceae, native to Europe and temperate Asia, with two or three species. The mountain or lemon-scented fern (O. limbosperma) occurs across upland Europe, alongside O. quelpaertensis in eastern Asia. Plants form a shuttlecock-like rosette of lance-shaped fronds 30-120 cm (12-47 in) long, tapering at both ends, with the lower pinnae becoming progressively smaller toward the base. The undersides of the fronds carry tiny golden resin glands that release a lemon scent when crushed, and small round sori sit near the margins of the segments. The fronds rise from a stout, ascending rhizome, die back in autumn, and re-emerge in spring. The genus grows in acidic, humus-rich soils on hillsides, in open woodland, beside streams, and on rocky slopes, often in cool, moist upland country with high rainfall. It is intolerant of lime and of dry conditions, and marks out acidic, well-watered ground.
Native Range
Oreopteris spp. is native to Europe and temperate eastern Asia, growing in cool, moist uplands on acidic soils. It is found on hillsides, in open woodland, beside streams, and on rocky, high-rainfall slopes.Suggested Uses
Oreopteris spp. is grown in shaded, moist woodland and bog gardens and in acidic rock and stream-side plantings where cool, damp conditions occur. It combines with other acid-loving ferns, mosses, and upland wildflowers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'11"
Width/Spread1' - 2'11"
Bloom Information
As a fern, Oreopteris spp. does not flower. Spores form in round sori near the margins of the frond segments, ripening through summer and shed before the fronds die back in autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight