Marginal Wood Fern

Dryopteris marginalis

American Beauties®

Year-Round Evergreen Leatherwood Fern with Tough, Leathery Fronds that Stay Vibrant in Shade
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 2 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Native, Wildlife-Friendly - Attracts Songbirds

$38⁷⁸

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This fern performs best in partial to full shade, ideally receiving only 2 to 4 hours of dappled or morning light. Protect it from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch or bleach the deep green fronds.
Soil: It prefers cool, humus-rich soil that stays moist but drains well, mimicking a forest floor environment. While it is adaptable to rocky slopes, amending heavy clay or sandy soils with organic matter like compost will ensure the best growth.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help the fern establish a deep root system. Once established, the Marginal Wood Fern is surprisingly drought-tolerant due to its leathery texture, though it will look lush and healthy with supplemental water during hot, dry spells.

Pruning Tips

Clean up the plant in late winter or very early spring before the new fiddleheads begin to unfurl. Simply snip off any tattered or winter-damaged fronds near the base to keep the plant looking tidy and to allow the new growth to emerge unobstructed.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a top dressing of compost in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid fertilizing late in the summer, as this can push new, tender growth that won't have time to harden off before winter.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Groundcover, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	2 ft
Width	2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Fern
Botanical Name	Dryopteris marginalis
Species	marginalis
Class	Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The soft, luxuriously fresh fonds of Marginal Wood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis) lend soothing color to your landscape year-round! Twice compound, deeply cut, grey-green to blue-green fronds hold themselves upright and in a formal, neat vase shape. Forms compact and dense clumps that add glowing lushness to the shade!

Also known as Marginal Shield Fern, these are hardy natives typically found in shaded to the Eastern US and the Southeastern States, in forest edges, and growing in rocky ledges and bluffs. Often found growing under Oaks, and nestled under their fallen leaves.

These are well-behaved native Ferns that will stay put where you plant them and not colonize! At home in woodland settings and dappled shade. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 8, these vase-shaped clumps stay about 2 feet in height and width. These perennial deciduous Ferns can remain evergreen in warm, frost-free climates.

Planting and Application:

Marginal Wood Fern is an easy-care groundcover that won't take over your garden beds, mix among shady shrubs and shade-loving perennials, Hosta, Astilbe, Bleeding Hearts, and of course, other Ferns!

Perfect for radiant skirting around the shade of large leggy shrubs and gazebos, patios provide a soft finishing touch. Plant en masse for a vibrant swath of enchanting greenery year-round. Great in containers to provide greenery and ornamental filler, as well as, throughout the garden beds and borders.

Line your shaded borders with lush greenery for glowing transitions between the garden and lawn. Excellent native plants for stabilizing shaded slopes and hard-to-mow areas. Marginal Wood Fern grows where most grass cannot without the need of any care!

Eastern Wood Ferns grow in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and ravines, so you can rest assured they'd thrive in your Rock Gardens and formal urban lots both benefit from a burst of fresh green.

Soft Fresh Dark Grey-Green to Blue-Green Fronds
Golden Brown Fiddleheads
Delicate Uniform Leaves
Tidy Erect Vase-Shaped Clumps - Never Becomes Aggressive!
Loves Cool Shady Areas, Woodland & Winter Interest

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Ferns are easy to maintain and incredibly low maintenance, but also disease and pest-free. Ferns can handle the densest shade in warmer climates and full sun in cooler areas, these natives are found naturalizing. These are incredibly tolerant, resilient, and adaptable plants that we're sure will make themselves right at home in your landscape!

Their sun tolerance depends on their access to moisture and your climate - more water and cooler climates mean this Fern can take more sun! Typically enjoying consistent moisture and humidity for the healthiest plants possible. Doing best in rich humus that is well-drained, Wood Fern even tolerates rocky soil as long as it has plenty of organic matter.

Add Nature Hills Root Booster during planting, because the symbiotic ingredients work non-stop over the life of the plant.

Hardy and disease resistant, pest-free, and stand up to deer and rabbit browse. A generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill. These evergreen Ferns clumps may be divided in spring, but this is seldom required. Though enjoying to spread, they're easily controlled and cared for.

Full Shade & Part Shade
Loves Moist Rich Well-Drained Soil
Evergreen Fern in Warmer Climates
Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Very Cold Hardy, Deer & Rabbit Resistant

Soft fresh and radiant green, landscapes gain soothing texture and calming presence, Marginal Wood Fern will give your landscape the spa treatment! Order your hardy native greenery from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Marginal Wood Fern?

Marginal Wood Fern reaches a mature size of about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide, forming compact, vase-shaped clumps. These well-behaved natives stay put where planted and won't spread aggressively. Space them 18-24 inches apart for proper air circulation.

Is Marginal Wood Fern evergreen or deciduous?

Marginal Wood Fern is deciduous but remains evergreen in frost-free climates within zones 3-8. In colder areas, fronds die back in winter and return with fresh golden brown fiddleheads in spring. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable year-round greenery in warmer zones.

What are the light requirements for Marginal Wood Fern—full shade, part shade, or sun?

Marginal Wood Fern thrives in shade to part shade conditions, mimicking its native forest habitat. These hardy natives naturally grow under oak trees and in woodland settings with dappled light. Avoid full sun locations, which can scorch the delicate fronds.

What are the basic care requirements for Marginal Wood Fern, including fertilizer?

Marginal Wood Fern thrives in shade to partial shade with consistent moisture and well-draining soil in zones 3-8. This low-maintenance native requires minimal fertilizer - a light application of compost in spring is sufficient. Plant in woodland conditions with organic-rich soil for best results.

Is Marginal Wood Fern deer-resistant or rabbit-resistant?

Marginal Wood Fern is naturally deer and rabbit resistant due to its tough, leathery fronds. These native ferns thrive undisturbed in zones 3-8, making them excellent for problem areas where other plants get browsed. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable shade groundcover that wildlife leaves alone.

Can Marginal Wood Fern be grown in containers or indoors?

Marginal Wood Fern grows excellently in containers as ornamental filler and greenery. These compact ferns stay about 2 feet tall and wide, making them ideal for pots on shaded patios and gazebos. Choose containers with good drainage and place in dappled shade for best results.

When is the best time to plant Marginal Wood Fern—spring or fall?

Marginal Wood Fern can be planted successfully in both spring and fall. Spring planting allows the fern to establish its root system before winter, while fall planting takes advantage of cooler temperatures and consistent moisture. In zones 3-8, plant 6-8 weeks before your first hard frost if choosing fall.

Will Marginal Wood Fern survive winter dormancy in my zone?

Marginal Wood Fern is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and handles winter dormancy well as a deciduous perennial. In warmer, frost-free areas it may stay evergreen year-round. Expect the fronds to die back in cold zones, then return with fresh growth in spring.

Marginal Wood Fern

Dryopteris marginalis