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Description
Dryopteris Uniformis, also known as the Shield Fern or Wood Fern, is a perennial fern that belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family. It is native to Asia, North America, and Europe, where it grows in moist woodland areas or along streams and rivers. The fern’s fronds are erect and grow up to 1.2 meters in height, with a spread of up to 1 meter. The plant’s leaves are bipinnately divided, with each pinna being lance-shaped, and the margins are serrated.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Dryopteridales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
Appearance
The Dryopteris Uniformis plant has a unique appearance with its erect fronds that grow up to 1.2 meters tall. The fronds have a spread of up to 1 meter, and the leaves are bipinnately divided, with each pinna being lance-shaped and serrated. The plant’s color is typically a vibrant green, and the fronds have a glossy texture. The fern’s rhizomes are black, narrow, and thin, and they spread horizontally.
Care Guide
The Dryopteris Uniformis plant requires moist soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it an excellent choice for planting in shady areas of the garden. It also prefers a consistent moisture level, so it’s important to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. The fern is hardy in zones 4-9 and doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dryopteris Uniformis plant is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including scale insects, mealybugs, and fungal diseases. Scale insects and mealybugs can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while fungal diseases can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and watering practices.
Habitat
Dryopteris Uniformis plants are native to Asia, North America, and Europe and grow in moist woodland areas or along streams and rivers. They prefer partial shade to full shade and grow well in well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The fern is hardy in zones 4-9.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Dryopteris Uniformis plant?
A: The plant prefers a consistent moisture level, so it’s important to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Watering once a week should suffice, but check the soil regularly to ensure it’s not drying out.
Q: Can I grow Dryopteris Uniformis in a container?
A: Yes, the fern can be grown in a container as long as it has well-draining soil that is consistently damp. The container should also have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Q: How much sunlight does the Dryopteris Uniformis plant need?
A: The fern prefers partial shade to full shade, making it an excellent choice for planting in shady areas of the garden.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Dryopteris Uniformis plant?
A: The plant doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.
Related Plants
- Dryopteris Erythrosora
- Dryopteris Crassirhizoma
- Dryopteris Filix-Mas
- Dryopteris Marginalis
References
- “Dryopteris uniformis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j800.
- “Dryopteris uniformis.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1248/.
- “Dryopteris uniformis.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10771/Dryopteris-uniformis/Details.
