Fern
Southern Wood Fern
Dryopteris ludoviciana
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardDryopteris ludovicianaPinkDryopteris ludoviciana
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$9.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Apr 14.
LightPart Shade, Full Shade
WaterModerate to High
Mature size2-4 feet × 2-3 feet
About Southern Wood Fern
Dryopteris ludoviciana, southern wood fern, is a native North American fern found in the wetlands and moist forests of the southeastern United States, including Florida, with tall, semi-evergreen, dark green fronds that form an upright, vase-shaped clump. A robust and adaptable native fern well suited to wet or moist shaded landscapes in the South. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Sandy, Clay, Acidic, Moist, Wet, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Grow in part shade to full shade. In NE Florida, full sun will scorch fronds; site under a canopy or on a north- or east-facing exposure. Tolerates dense shade well.
Water
Prefers consistently moist to wet soils and performs best near streams, ponds, or in rain gardens in NE Florida. Tolerates periodic drought once established but should not be allowed to dry out completely. Mulch generously to conserve moisture in sandy soils.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in rich, moist, acidic soils; adapts to sandy to clay soils if kept consistently moist. Amend NE Florida sandy soils with generous organic matter. Light application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient; heavy fertilization is unnecessary.
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Common questions
Is Southern Wood Fern a good plant for St. Augustine?
Southern Wood Fern is a fern for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-4 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.