Local Ecotype
One of our favorite ferns! A delicate, graceful fern that is rather uncommon in Oklahoma, found on damp, heavily shaded slopes in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains. The intricately branched fronds with wiry black stems may reach 2 feet tall, taking the shape of a many-fingered hand when mature. This fern can form clumps in favorable sites. This is a deep forest species that needs adequate shade to thrive, and soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. Planting near a house, privacy fence, or other structure may help create a favorable humid microclimate for this species, and adding compost or leaf mulch at planting will help maintain soil moisture. This fern also does well as a potted plant or even a houseplant if enough humidity is maintained.
Local Ecotype
One of our favorite ferns! A delicate, graceful fern that is rather uncommon in Oklahoma, found on damp, heavily shaded slopes in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains. The intricately branched fronds with wiry black stems may reach 2 feet tall, taking the shape of a many-fingered hand when mature. This fern can form clumps in favorable sites. This is a deep forest species that needs adequate shade to thrive, and soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. Planting near a house, privacy fence, or other structure may help create a favorable humid microclimate for this species, and adding compost or leaf mulch at planting will help maintain soil moisture. This fern also does well as a potted plant or even a houseplant if enough humidity is maintained.