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Ferns For "The Wilderness" - Part IIRead the article this discussion is about
This archived discussion is "read only".
» CarolWallace - Speaking of ferns, Marge, do you happen to know the name of the Speaking of ferns, Marge, do you happen to know the name of the one that will even grow in sun, stays pretty small and is often seen growing out of cracks in walls?Autumn fern is on my must have list! It's one of those things I've had no luck buying -- order from a catalog and they're all out; go to the store and they just sold the last one. But I will have one! Carol (virtually gardening) -- posted by CarolWallace » Deb_TT - Is Autumn Fern Dryopteris erythrosora? I bought one today after Is Autumn Fern Dryopteris erythrosora? I bought one today after reading this article. When I got it home and looked it up in The American Horticultural Society's Encyclopedia they called it a Japanese Sword Fern. Confusion as always with common names I guess!Anyway I have it and it's going in to the new fern garden below the big old cedar tree. Debra Teachout-Teashon -- posted by Deb_TT » Diana_Pederson - I've bought 2 Japanese painted ferns. Can you tell me something I've bought 2 Japanese painted ferns. Can you tell me something about them? I hope they are truly hardy to zone 4 or 5 like I was told. Also, what is the proper name for them?Diana Pederson -- posted by Diana_Pederson » Marge_Talt - Well, Carol, I won't swear to this, but you could be talking ab Well, Carol, I won't swear to this, but you could be talking about either Asplenium. platyneuron (Ebony Spleenwort) or A. trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort). These guys really prefer moist conditons, but will tolerate dry spells and can grow in full sun if the soil remains moist. Both are recommended for growing in rock walls or rock gardens.A. trichomanes fronds get 5 to 6 inches (12 - 15 cm) tall and have rounded pinnae. A. platyneuron has 8 to 15 inch (20 - 38 cm) fertile fronds that die down and shorter broader sterile fronds that stay evergreen and grow outward, almost flat on the ground. Do they sound like what you were talking about? Marge -- posted by Marge_Talt » Marge_Talt - Yes, Debra, Autumn Fern <b>is</b> Dryopteris erythrosora. I've Yes, Debra, Autumn Fern is Dryopteris erythrosora. I've seen it referred to as 'Japanese Shield Fern', because all Dryopteris are called 'Shield Ferns', but never 'Japanese Sword Fern'. It does come from Japan, however.How creative of the AHS! Another bone I have to pick with them re: their Encyclopedia! I was most disappointed in this book and, if I remember correctly, wrote them a non-complementary letter about it :-) You are right about the confusion that can be generated by common names! So, you have now added one of my very favorites to your collection. Enjoy! Keep a look out for the new fronds in early spring.
-- posted by Marge_Talt » Marge_Talt - Hi Diana, As I noted in Part I of this series on ferns, Japan Hi Diana,As I noted in Part I of this series on ferns, Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' [goeringianum] is rated hady to USDA z. 5. I haven't seen any data rating them for USDA z. 4, but, with a sheltered position and good mulch, they just might pull through. Rather than repeat what I've said in the article, I'll suggest you go have a peek at it. If it doesn't answer your questions, just let me know and I'll give it a try :-) These are truly lovely ferns! I'm sure you'll enjoy them. Marge -- posted by Marge_Talt » CarolWallace - Diana, As far as I know, your climate is slightly milder than m Diana, As far as I know, your climate is slightly milder than mine -- and I have Japanese painted fern all over the place! It's,in my opinion, one of the great equalizers in garden design -- a plant that can draw a lot of other plants together. Go for it! Carol (virtually gardening)-- posted by CarolWallace » Deb_TT - Yes go for it! I am in agreement with Marge and Carol on the Yes go for it!I am in agreement with Marge and Carol on the Painted Ferns. I had them (soon will have more) growing with moss, astilbe, hardy fuchsias and other ferns, like our native sword fern, and cinnamon fern. They added so much to the shaded garden. If your zone will take it - go for it! Debra Teachout-Teashon -- posted by Deb_TT » Deb_TT - Marge wrote: <i> Debra, Autumn Fern is dryopteris erythrosora. I Marge wrote: Debra, Autumn Fern is dryopteris erythrosora. I've seen it referred to as 'Japanese Shield Fern', because all dryopteris are called 'Shield Ferns', but never 'Japanese Sword Fern'. It does come from Japan,however. It confused me and I thought maybe I bought the wrong fern, or the tag was wrong. Glad to know it wasn't wrong. Mine is a soft light green and it really lights up the shade garden! Very pleased with this new fern. So Japanese Sword Fern is not correct for this one? Still looking for the licorice fern! I should go behind my house in the woods and see if I can just find some. Debra Teachout-Teashon -- posted by Deb_TT » Marge_Talt - Debra, No, I think 'Japanese Sword Fern' is some creative nam Debra,No, I think 'Japanese Sword Fern' is some creative naming -- or just a total error. If anything, besides 'Autumn Fern', they are called 'Japanese Shield Ferns'. Mine is more a dark than soft green and gets some of the coppery color as cold weather sets in.. But the real 'copper' color is first thing in spring wen they unfurl. Mine is fairly stiff in texture -- not soft like Japanese Painted Fern, if you know what I mean, but with a graceful arch to the frond. They also have coppery colored spore cases on the reverse of the frond -- should be showing about now. Also, does yours have fuzzy, rust colored hairs on the back of the caudex (stem)? Just a few things to check to make sure you got what you think you did:-) Hope you do come up with your Licorice Fern! I've moved a lot of Christmas Ferns from our woods to my borders and they all seem happy as clams. I don't advocate removal of plants from their natural surroundings, but since Licorice Fern seems to be somewhat endemic to your woods, like Christmas Fern is to mine, I shouldn't think it would be all that horrible to move one to your garden:-) Marge -- posted by Marge_Talt
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