Dryopteris ludoviciana
Dryopteris ludoviciana is a stately, semi-evergreen, clumping fern, native to the southeastern US, that makes a wonderful addition to the woodland garden. The shiny but leathery 3′ tall fronds form a striking upright architectural specimen in the garden. Despite being native to swamps, Dryopteris ludoviciana has performed admirably for us in normal garden conditions. According to fern guru Dr. John Mickel, southern shield fern also occasionally occurs naturally on limestone outcrops, indicating a good tolerance for sweet soils.
