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The Leatherwood Fern or Marginal Shield Fern is an evergreen fern which typically forms a non-spreading, vase-shaped clump to 1.5-2' (infrequently to 3') tall. This is a woodland fern which is most often found in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs. Leatherwood Ferns features grayish-green, deeply cut, leathery fronds (15-20" long). Sori are located at the edges or margins of the pinnule undersides, hence the common name. These ferns prefer loamy moist soils, and do best in cool position in the garden, so avoid the afternoon sun. The evergreen fronds are very attractive and provide good interest to the winter landscape.

The Toothwood Fern, Dryopteris spinulosais, is a delightful lacy plant. The Toothwood Fern, also known as the Narrow Buckler Fern, has true fern foliage that is a rich, deep green color. The long triangular fronds, made of hundreds of tiny leaflets, spray up and out in whorls. This deciduous perennial plant is semi-evergreen. Toothwood Ferns will tolerate some drought and some dry soil. For best results put it in a shady position in the garden. Whether it is used as a border or a background, it will enhance any garden with its gracefulness. This fern is easy to grow almost anywhere and thrives even when other plants fail.

The Walking Fern, Camptosorus rhizophyllus, is an interesting little plant. The common name comes from the fact that the leaves sprout new plants at their apices. After a few generations, the plant appears as if it is 'walking' across the ground because the frond tips curve over and root wherever they touch the ground. Walking Ferns have very attractive foliage and the simple leaves are often long-tapering to the tips. They can tolerate occasional wetness and wet soil. It is used in woodland gardens and as groundcover. This perennial fern does not have flowers or blooms.

The Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides, occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. It typically grows in a fountain-like clump to 2' tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas. Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. Christmas ferns are asymmetrical with a fine texture and has a moderately dense crown. The evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape. This fern does not spread but the clumps increase in size over time. These plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae.

The Royal Fern, Osmunda regalis, is a tall, deciduous fern which usually occurs on moist bluffs and ledges and along streams (sometimes growing in the water). Royal Ferns typically grows in clumps to 2-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 6' in height. The broad fronds have large, well-separated pinnae (leaflets) which give this fern an almost pea-family appearance. Fronds typically turn yellow to brown in autumn. The Royal Fern is also known as the Flowering Fern and is deciduous. Spores are located in brown, tassel-like, fertile clusters at the tips of the fronds, thus giving rise to the additional common name of flowering fern for this plant. The Royal Fern is an excellent selection for wet areas along ponds, streams, water gardens or in bogs. It also grows well in shaded borders, woodland gardens, wild gardens or native plant gardens.

The Christmas Fern, 'Polystichum acrostichoides', occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. It typically grows in a fountain-like clump to 2' tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas.Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. Christmas ferns are asymmetrical with a fine texture and has a moderately dense crown. The evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape. This fern does not spread but the clumps increase in size over time. These plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae.

The Cinnamon Fern, Osmunda cinnamonea, occurs in moist, boggy ground along streams and on shaded ledges and grows in clumps to 2'-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 5' in height. When new fronds appear, they have a cinnamon color. The yellowish-green sterile fronds remain attractive throughout the summer and turn yellow in autumn.The common name of Cinnamon ferns is in reference to the cinnamon colored fibers found near the fronds base. Osumunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the roots of these ferns. Plant them in a loamy woodland soil in some shade to mimic the natural environment. This fern is used in container plantings, rock gardens, borders, specimen plants and as ground cover. Cinnamon ferns do not have flowers or blooms. This plant tolerates flooding and will grow in wet submerged soils.

The Hay-Scented Fern, 'Dennstaedtina punctilobulba', is a delightfully scented fern that smells like fresh hay when the bright green fronds are crushed or broken, making it an ideal fern for pathways. Thrives in moist, slightly acid soil and reaches a height of 2-3'. Whether used in borders or as a background, ferns enhance any garden with their gracefulness and their beautiful varying shades of green. It is low maintenance, aggressive spreader under ideal conditions Easy to grow almost anyplace...thrive even when other plants fail. Hay-Scented Fern often grows in large colonies, forming a carpet.

The Lady Fern, 'Athyrium filixfemina', is a lovely bright yellow green fern with wide, deep cut or laciniate leaves. A real favorite that reaches a height of 2-3'. Plants spread slowly to form dense clumps. Under the right conditions Lady Ferns will continue to send up new fronds into the summer. These ferns are one of the easiest ferns to grow. They prefer to be grown in part to full shade in average to rich, moist but well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acid. Whether used in borders or as a background, ferns enhance any garden with their gracefulness and their beautiful varying shades of green. Plants can be divided and transplanted in spring and early summer, planting the crown at the surface. They thrive even when other plants fail.

The Leatherwood Fern or Marginal Shield Fern is an evergreen fern which typically forms a non-spreading, vase-shaped clump to 1.5-2' (infrequently to 3') tall. This is a woodland fern which is most often found in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs. Leatherwood Ferns features grayish-green, deeply cut, leathery fronds (15-20" long). These ferns prefer loamy moist soils, and do best in cool position in the garden, so avoid the afternoon sun. The evergreen fronds are very attractive and provide good interest to the winter landscape.

The American Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum pedatum, is a deciduous, clump-forming fern which typically grows 1.5 to 2' tall and is most frequently found on rich wooded slopes, ravine bottoms and damp shady woods. American Maidenhair Ferns prefer moist, shady conditions, but will grow in sunnier spots if kept moist. Wiry stems are reddish-brown to black. Crosiers (coiled young fiddleheads) emerge pink in spring. The attractive foliage is showcased in container plantings, foundation plantings, and ground covers.

The Ostrich Fern, 'Matteuccia struthiopteris', is tall with lovely feather-like fronds and delightful yellow-green leaves with a graceful arch. It grows from a completely vertical crown, and it sends out lateral stolons to form new crowns. It can form dense colonies resistant to destruction by floodwaters. It likes moist thickets, especially along streams and rivers. Its growth pattern is a symmetric clump and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens. Whether used in borders or as a background, ferns enhance any garden with their gracefulness and their beautiful varying shades of green. Easy to grow almost anyplace...thrive even when other plants fail.