New York Fern
Thelypteris noveboracensis
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
New York Fern - #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
New York Fern highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Shade, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Pruning Time
Growing Zones
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.
