A familiar woodland form, built around a strong central crown.
Form & character
This deciduous fern produces a shuttlecock-shaped tuft of lance-shaped fronds. Its substantial outline makes a useful contrast to smaller, more delicate ferns.
A place to grow
Cool, moist, lightly shaded conditions are a good starting point. Established plants may tolerate drier shade, but young plants still need regular watering as they settle in.
A detail to notice
Notice the angle of the outer fronds compared with those at the centre. Try drawing only the silhouette before attempting individual leaf divisions.
Further reading
Sources consulted September 2026. Summaries are original; linked pages provide fuller botanical and cultivation detail.