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Description
Gymnocarpium Dryopteris, also known as Oak Fern, is a deciduous perennial plant belonging to the Polypodiaceae family. This fern is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It has a short, creeping rhizome and delicate fronds that grow up to 20 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Gymnocarpium |
Appearance
Gymnocarpium Dryopteris has delicate, deciduous fronds that grow up to 20 inches long and are divided into numerous small, pointed segments. The fronds are pale green in color and have a triangular shape. The plant also has a short, creeping rhizome that produces new fronds each year. In the fall, the fronds turn yellow and die back, only to reemerge in the spring.
Care Guide
To care for Gymnocarpium Dryopteris, it’s important to provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips:- Water: This fern prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. – Fertilization: Gymnocarpium Dryopteris doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to give it a boost.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. – Sunlight: Gymnocarpium Dryopteris prefers partial to full shade and can’t tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods of time. – Hardiness Zones: This fern is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gymnocarpium Dryopteris is relatively pest and disease-free, but there are a few issues to watch out for:- Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the fronds, so use a slug bait or trap to control them. – Rust: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the fronds, so remove any infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide. – Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause the fronds to turn brown and wither, so remove any infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Gymnocarpium Dryopteris is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It can be found in moist, shaded areas such as woodlands, forests, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Gymnocarpium Dryopteris easy to grow?
A: Yes, this fern is relatively easy to grow as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions.
Q: Does Gymnocarpium Dryopteris prefer sun or shade?
A: This fern prefers partial to full shade and can’t tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Q: How often should I water Gymnocarpium Dryopteris?
A: This fern prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged.
Q: What should I do if I notice brown spots on the fronds?
A: Brown spots on the fronds may be a sign of rust disease, so remove any infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Related Plants
– Gymnocarpium robertianum- Gymnocarpium jessoense- Gymnocarpium appalachianum- Gymnocarpium disjunctum
References
– “Gymnocarpium Dryopteris.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b373- “Gymnocarpium Dryopteris.” Plants of the World Online. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17293870-1
