This native, to both the US and Europe, makes an attractive, easy-to-grow deciduous clump to 2′ tall x 3′ wide. Dryopteris filix-mas prefers a cool, moist woodland site and should be protected from extreme heat in the South. If your male fern looks limp and lonely, we recommend planting an Athyrium filix-femina (lady fern) nearby for good company. As a curative, Dryopteris filix-mas is also a great remedy for severe tapeworm issues, when taken with an onion and garlic salad…I’m not making this up!
