Contents
Description
Dryopteris Lepidopoda is a fern species that belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae. It is commonly known as the “Buckler fern” due to its small size and round shape. This species is native to North America, and it can grow up to 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Its fronds are bipinnate, which means they are divided into smaller leaflets that are also divided into even smaller leaflets.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota ||————|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Pteridophyta || Class| Polypodiopsida || Order| Polypodiales || Family| Dryopteridaceae || Genus| Dryopteris || Species| Dryopteris Lepidopoda |
Appearance
Dryopteris Lepidopoda has unique characteristics that set it apart from other ferns. Its fronds have a dark green color and a glossy texture. The fronds are also slightly curved, giving them an elegant appearance. The leaflets of the fronds are triangular and have a serrated edge. The fronds grow in a circular shape, which makes them ideal for planting in clusters.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Dryopteris Lepidopoda thrives, you should follow these care tips:
Water: Water your Buckler fern regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant requires consistent moisture to grow well.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil during the growing season to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Soil: The Buckler fern grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It does not tolerate direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.
Hardiness Zones: Dryopteris Lepidopoda grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dryopteris Lepidopoda is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
Spider mites: These pests are common in dry conditions and can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant’s leaves.
Scale insects: These pests are tiny, oval-shaped insects that can feed on the plant’s sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that cause brown, circular spots on the leaves.
Rust: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that cause orange or brown spots on the leaves.
Habitat
Dryopteris Lepidopoda is native to North America and can be found in moist, shaded areas such as forests, woodlands, and wetlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize my Dryopteris Lepidopoda?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Q: Can Dryopteris Lepidopoda grow in full sun?
A: No, the plant prefers partial shade to full shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Q: How often should I water my Buckler fern?
A: Water your plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant requires consistent moisture to grow well.
Q: What is the ideal pH range for the soil of Dryopteris Lepidopoda?
A: The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dryopteris Lepidopoda:- Dryopteris filix-mas- Dryopteris marginalis- Dryopteris erythrosora- Dryopteris carthusiana
References
– “Dryopteris lepidopoda.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280518&isprofile=0&.- “Dryopteris lepidopoda.” Plant Finder. Accessed October 23, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dryopteris-lepidopoda-buckler-fern.
