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New York Fern

Thelypteris noveboracensis

American Beauties®
  • Native New York Fern Spreads Gracefully to Fill Shaded Woodland Gardens with Soft, Tapered Fronds
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
  • Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 1-3 ft Wide
  • Perfect for Mass Planting in Cottage Gardens
  • Moderate-Growing in Full Shade to Partial Shade
$3817
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Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Native, Low Maintenance, Groundcover, Wet Soils, Deer-resistant, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone 3a8b
Sunlight Partial shade, Shade
Height 1-2 ft
Width 1-3 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Growth Rate Moderate
Growth Habit Upright
Plant Life Cycle Perennial
Blooms In Spring
Foliage Color Green
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Fern
Botanical Name Thelypteris noveboracensis
Species noveboracensis
Class Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New York Fern spread?
  • Yes, New York Fern spreads through rhizomes to form a dense, green carpet. It naturally fills in shaded areas with its spreading habit, reaching 18-24 inches tall. Allow adequate space for expansion or use edging to contain it in smaller gardens.

What are the hardiness zones for New York Fern?
  • New York Fern thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates from northern to southern regions. This native perennial handles both cold winters and moderate summers with ease. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable woodland groundcover.

Can New York Fern tolerate full shade?
  • Yes, New York Fern thrives in full shade conditions. This native perennial naturally grows in northeastern forests and adapts well to partial shade to full shade locations. Plant it in moist, organic-rich soil for best results in your shadiest garden spots.

Is New York Fern deer-resistant?
  • Yes, New York Fern is deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for naturalized settings. This native perennial thrives without much intervention once established in zones 3-8. Plant it in shaded areas where deer browse regularly for reliable, long-lasting ground cover.

Does New York Fern require a lot of maintenance?
  • New York Fern is exceptionally low-maintenance once established in zones 3-8. This native spreads naturally through rhizomes to form dense groundcover without intervention. Simply plant in moist, organic-rich soil and let it naturalize - available at naturehills.com.

How much water does New York Fern require?
  • New York Fern prefers consistently moist soil and can even tolerate light flooding. This native thrives in naturally damp woodland conditions and works well in rain gardens. Water regularly during dry spells to maintain soil moisture, especially in the first growing season.

Can New York Fern tolerate dry soil?
  • New York Fern prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and does not tolerate dry conditions well. This native thrives in areas that stay consistently moist and can even handle light flooding. For best results, plant it in naturally moist shade areas or supplement with regular watering during dry spells.

How do you prune New York Fern?
  • New York Fern requires minimal pruning since old fronds naturally die back in winter. Simply cut back dead, brown fronds in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any damaged fronds throughout the growing season to maintain the clean appearance of this spreading groundcover.

Is New York Fern a native plant?
  • Yes, New York Fern is a hardy native perennial found naturally in forests throughout New England and the northeastern United States. This adaptable fern thrives in USDA zones 3-8 and quickly naturalizes through spreading rhizomes. Plant it in partial to full shade with moist, organic-rich soil for best results.
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