Contents
Description
Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum is a beautiful fern with a unique appearance. It is commonly known as the southern lady fern, and it is native to the eastern United States. It is a deciduous fern that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The fronds are long and narrow, with a delicate and lacy texture. The color is bright green, with a slightly blue tint. The fronds grow in a vase shape, with the tallest fronds in the center and the shorter fronds on the outside.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Athyriaceae |
| Genus | Athyrium |
Appearance
Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum has long and narrow fronds with a delicate and lacy texture. The fronds are bright green, with a slightly blue tint, and grow in a vase shape. The tallest fronds are in the center, and the shorter fronds are on the outside. The fern can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The fronds are deciduous, meaning they will die back in the winter and grow back in the spring.
Care Guide
Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum is a relatively easy fern to care for. Here are some basic care tips:- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Plant in partial to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the fronds.- Hardiness Zones: This fern is hardy in zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum is generally free of pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the fronds. Use slug bait or handpick them off.- Scale: Scale insects can attach themselves to the fronds and suck the sap. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control.- Rust: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the fronds. Remove infected fronds and apply a fungicide.
Habitat
Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum is native to the eastern United States, where it grows in moist woodlands, meadows, and along streams. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is hardy in zones 5-8.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: Can Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum grow in full sun?
A: No, this fern prefers partial to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the fronds.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum?
A: This fern is hardy in zones 5-8.
Q: Does Athyrium Asplenioides Var. Angustum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, this fern provides food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other insects.
Related Plants
– Athyrium Filix-femina (Lady Fern)- Athyrium Niponicum Var. Pictum (Japanese Painted Fern)- Athyrium Otophorum (Eared Lady Fern)
References
– “Athyrium asplenioides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286398.- “Athyrium asplenioides var. angustum.” PlantFiles, www.garden.org/plants/view/78810/Athyrium-asplenioides-var-angustum/. – “Southern Lady Fern.” Fine Gardening, www.finegardening.com/plant/southern-lady-fern-athyrium-asplenioides-var-angustum.
