A world of fronds.
From glossy ribbons to intricate lace. A small selection of ferns, with notes on their form and growing preferences.
8 of 8 profiles
Alpine wood fern
Dryopteris wallichiana
Bright new foliage and dark scales create a striking, upright pattern.
semi-evergreen02Common polypody
Polypodium vulgare
Compact, deeply cut fronds growing along a creeping rhizome.
evergreen03Copper shield fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
Copper-pink young growth adds a warm note to a green collection.
semi-evergreen04Hart's-tongue fern
Asplenium scolopendrium
A different kind of fern: broad, glossy ribbons in an arching rosette.
evergreen05Himalayan maidenhair
Adiantum venustum
Small, fan-shaped segments create a delicate carpet of foliage.
semi-evergreen06Lady fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Fresh green, finely divided foliage with an airy, lace-like character.
deciduous07Male fern
Dryopteris filix-mas
A robust, upright outline made from many divided, arching fronds.
deciduous08Soft shield fern
Polystichum setiferum
Softly divided green fronds, arranged in a generous, spreading crown.
evergreenNo fronds found.
Try a shorter name or a different foliage type.
A reading collection, not an identification key. Foliage and size depend on climate and growing conditions. Each profile links to its botanical source. For unfamiliar terms, visit the small fern glossary.