Native Habitat:
Moist, shaded woodlands, streambanks, and rocky ravines across North America. In the Pacific Northwest, it grows in cool, sheltered forests and along shaded seeps or creeks.
 
Bloom Time:
Non-flowering fern; reproduces by spores released from undersides of fronds in summer.
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Deciduous fern with distinctive fan-shaped fronds arranged in a circular pattern atop dark, wiry stems. Typically 1–2 feet tall and spreading slowly by rhizomes to form graceful colonies.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Partial to full shade; moist, rich, well-drained soils high in organic matter. Prefers consistent moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun or drying winds.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Polystichum munitum, Tolmiea menziesii, Tiarella trifoliata, Achlys triphylla, and Oxalis oregana.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Brings a refined woodland character to shaded urban gardens, rain gardens, and courtyard plantings. Its airy fronds create contrast against broad-leaved shade plants and add a sense of movement and delicacy. Ideal for small, sheltered spaces such as north-facing patios or beneath street trees where filtered light and moisture persist. Pairs beautifully with mosses, heucheras, and ferns for a serene, layered effect.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Provides moisture-retaining groundcover that shelters amphibians, salamanders, and invertebrates. Spores contribute to soil microbial health, while the fronds create microhabitats for beneficial insects.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples and herbalists for hair tonics and cough remedies. Valued in early American gardens for its ornamental beauty and adaptability to shaded conditions.