Fern, Giant Wood

Giant Wood Fern (Dryopteris goldieana)

Giant Wood Fern, also known as Goldie’s Fern, is one of the largest native ferns in North America, with bold, arching fronds that can reach up to four feet in height. Thriving in shaded, moist woodland environments, this impressive perennial fern creates a lush, green backdrop for forest gardens. Its dense, towering fronds provide critical shelter for wildlife, while also playing a role in erosion control and soil stabilization in forested areas. Perfect for naturalizing shaded areas, Giant Wood Fern brings both beauty and ecological value to your landscape.

Key Characteristics:

• Wildlife Shelter and Habitat: The dense foliage of Giant Wood Fern offers valuable shelter and cover for small mammals, amphibians, and ground-dwelling birds. Frogs, toads, and salamanders find refuge in its protective, moist habitat, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.

• Soil Stabilization and Erosion Control: With its extensive root system, Giant Wood Fern is excellent at stabilizing soils on slopes and preventing erosion in woodland areas. It thrives in moist, shaded environments, helping to retain moisture and improve soil health.

• Medicinal History: While Giant Wood Fern is not commonly used in modern herbal medicine, ferns historically played a role in traditional remedies for wound healing and inflammation. Native American tribes often used fern fronds to cover wounds and treat skin irritations.

• Perfect for Shade Gardens: This fern’s large, dramatic fronds make it ideal for filling shaded garden corners, woodland edges, or beneath large trees. It pairs well with other shade-loving plants, providing structure and texture in forest gardens and shaded borders.

• Supports Moist Microhabitats: By creating a cool, moist environment, Giant Wood Fern supports a variety of beneficial insects and small wildlife, adding to the biodiversity of your shaded garden space.

Product Details:

• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained
• Mature Height: 3-4 feet
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Bring lush texture and vital wildlife habitat to your shade garden with Giant Wood Fern, a stately and eco-friendly addition to any landscape.