1. Giant Chain Fern – Woodwardia fimbriata
(wood-WARD-ee-uh fim-bree-AY-ta)
Family: Blechnaceae (Deerfern Family)
Native to: Native primarily in Calif. but scattered populations on western coast from British
Columbia to Baja – locally in Santa Monica & San Gabriel mtns; moist streambanks or springs,
usually in forests to 5000 ft elevation.
clumping perennial fern mature height: 4-8 ft.
mature width: 4-6 ft.
Large, somewhat coarse looking native fern.
Leaves (fronds) are bipinnnate, medium green and
unroll like a fiddleneck – quite showy. Overall shape of plant is vase-like, with few to many leaves
from a central point. This is a dramatic-looking plant!
Growth characteristics:
Non-blooming. Spores in short, broad sori in neat lines of ‘chains’ on the underside
of pinnae (hence the common name Chain Fern).
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: A large dramatic accent for shady parts of the garden. Looks woodsy or almost
prehistoric. Great around ponds & pools, where it appreciates the extra water. Great along shaded
walls – even in a large container. Try on north- or east-facing sides of buildings or wall.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native large ferns including Tree Ferns.
Attracts: Good cover for birds, insects.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade to full shade – really likes shade.
Adaptable in most soil textures; acid pH best (4.0-7.0).
Best with regular water (Zone 2-3 or 3); in very shady spots could take Zone 2.
½ strength occasionally.
Leaf mulch (or other organic mulch) recommended.
Easy under the right conditions. Cut off old fronds as new ones emerge.
plants from spores may be produced, but easy to pull up if unwanted.
Management:
Propagation: from spores:
challenging
by divisions:
New
possible in winter/spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, 20
1/31/11
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