Contents
Description
Dryopteris Affinis, commonly known as the Scaly Male Fern, is a popular deciduous fern that belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family. It is native to Europe but can be found in many parts of the world, including Asia and North America. This fern can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and 1.2 meters wide, making it an excellent choice for landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
Appearance
The Dryopteris Affinis fern has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other ferns. Its fronds are long, narrow, and lance-shaped, with green leaves on top and brown scales on the underside. The scales give the plant a scaly appearance, which is where it gets its common name.
Care Guide
To keep your Dryopteris Affinis fern healthy and thriving, follow these care tips:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry seasons.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Soil: Dryopteris Affinis prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but does best in slightly acidic soil.
Sunlight: This fern prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shady areas of the garden.
Hardiness Zones: Dryopteris Affinis can grow in hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Dryopteris Affinis is susceptible to pests and diseases. Some common pests that can affect this fern include spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Diseases that can affect Dryopteris Affinis include root rot and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, make sure to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained.
Habitat
Dryopteris Affinis is native to Europe but can be found in many parts of the world, including Asia and North America. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes. This fern prefers moist, shady areas with well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best way to propagate Dryopteris Affinis?
A: The easiest way to propagate Dryopteris Affinis is through division. Divide the plant in the spring, making sure to keep the roots intact. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they establish roots.
Q: Is Dryopteris Affinis deer-resistant?
A: Dryopteris Affinis is not deer-resistant and may be eaten by deer if they are present in the area.
Q: How often should I fertilize Dryopteris Affinis?
A: Fertilize Dryopteris Affinis once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: Does Dryopteris Affinis require a lot of sunlight?
A: No, Dryopteris Affinis prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate low light conditions.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dryopteris Affinis:
- Dryopteris erythrosora
- Dryopteris filix-mas
- Dryopteris marginalis
- Dryopteris intermedia
References
- “Dryopteris Affinis (Scaly Male Fern).” Plant Lust, 2021, plantlust.com/plants/20749/dryopteris-affinis.
- “Dryopteris Affinis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j850.
- “Dryopteris Affinis.” Royal Horticultural Society, 2021, rhs.org.uk/plants/11504/dryopteris-affinis/details.
