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New York Fern

Thelypteris noveboracensis

American Beauties®
$3817
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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Plant this fern in dappled shade to full shade; it thrives with less than two hours of direct sun, preferably only gentle morning light. Direct afternoon sun will quickly scorch the delicate, pale green fronds, which can completely stunt the plant’s growth for the season.
  • Soil: New York Fern needs soil that is organically rich, consistently moist, and slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy clay, generously amend it with leaf mold and well-aged compost to improve drainage and keep the soil light.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, keep the root zone consistently moist to encourage deep root establishment, watering deeply once or twice a week without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Once the fern is established, it shows moderate drought tolerance, but if watering becomes inconsistent, the fronds will quickly shrivel and brown from the bottom up, stressing the plant and severely diminishing its presence in the garden.

Pruning Tips

Since this is a deciduous fern, it naturally dies back to the ground each fall and grows on new wood in the spring. There is no structural pruning needed; simply wait until late winter or early spring before new growth appears to snip off all the old, brown fronds at the base. This annual cleanup prevents overwintering pests and diseases from sheltering in the old foliage, ensuring a vigorous start to the new growing season.

Fertilizer Needs

The best fertilizer for a New York Fern is a springtime top dressing of compost or leaf mold, which slowly releases nutrients and improves soil structure. If you opt for a synthetic product, apply a granular, balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) very lightly in early spring, as ferns are not heavy feeders. What to avoid: never apply high-nitrogen fertilizer late in the season, as this encourages tender, new growth that will be highly vulnerable to the first fall frost.

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Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12 Week of February 23rd


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New York Fern – A Native Perennial For Naturalized Gardens!

The New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) is a native, perennial Fern that thrives in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized settings throughout New England and beyond! Known for its soft, tapered fronds and elegant, airy appearance, this Fern is ideal for creating a lush, woodland-inspired landscape.

Also known as Maiden or Wood Ferns, these natives are found naturally in the forests of New England and the northeastern United States but do well in a wide range of USDA hardiness zones, it’s a perfect choice for gardeners looking to incorporate regional native plants into their designs. Its low-maintenance nature and adaptability make it a standout for filling shaded areas with vibrant green foliage.

Key Product Features

  • Hardy Native Fern: Perfect for New England and northeastern US landscapes
  • Perennial: Reliable, long-lasting addition to shady gardens
  • Foliage: Soft green fronds that taper at both ends for a graceful look
  • Mature Size: 18 to 24 inches tall with a spreading habit
  • Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3–8
  • Naturalizing: Quickly fills in to create a soft, flowing ground cover

Landscaping With The New York Fern

New York Fern is not only beautiful but also highly adaptable. It spreads through rhizomes, forming a dense, green carpet that softens the edges of paths, woodland gardens, and shaded areas. Its ability to tolerate moist soils and even light flooding makes it perfect for rain gardens and low-lying areas. Plus, it’s a deer-resistant native plant, meaning it will thrive in naturalized settings without much intervention.

  • Woodland Gardens: Ideal for creating a natural, serene look
  • Rain Garden: Handles moist, low-lying areas with ease
  • Native Plant Gardens: Perfect for regional plantings in New England and the northeastern US
  • Shade Gardens & Borders and Groundcover: Quickly fill in large and small mass plantings to create a lush, green texture
  • Lush Edging: Create clean lines and transitions between lawn and garden with these lacy perennials.

Fern Care & Maintenance

Ferns are unique plants with a curious lifecycle and are a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance perennial plant.

Planting Tips: Choose a location with partial to full shade and rich, well-drained soil. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for full coverage.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system.

Seasonal Care: Trim back dead or damaged fronds in early spring to allow fresh growth to emerge.

Fertilizing: Add compost or a balanced fertilizer in spring if needed, but New York Fern typically thrives without much feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does New York Fern grow naturally?
New York Fern is native to New England and much of the northeastern United States, thriving in woodlands and moist areas.

How tall does it grow?
It typically grows 18 to 24 inches tall and spreads a bit wider, forming a dense groundcover.

Can this Fern tolerate full shade?
Yes, partial to full shade is ideal, though it prefers dappled light for optimal growth.

Is New York Fern deer-resistant?
Yes, New York Fern is generally deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas with wildlife.

Does this native Fern require a lot of maintenance?
Not at all! It’s a low-maintenance plant that requires only consistent moisture and occasional spring cleanup.

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