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Description
Dryopteris Campyloptera, also known as the Mountain Wood Fern, is a species of fern that belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family. This plant is native to East Asia, North America, and Europe, and can be found in various habitats such as forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. It is an evergreen fern that grows up to 60 cm in height and has a spread of 45 cm. This plant is an excellent choice for adding texture and interest to shady areas in your garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
Appearance
The Mountain Wood Fern has long, lance-shaped fronds that are a bright green color. The fronds grow in a vase shape and have a slightly arching habit. The plant has a clumping form and produces a crown of up to 20 fronds per plant. The fronds can grow up to 40 cm in length and 5 cm wide. The spores of this fern are produced in clusters on the underside of the fronds.
Care Guide
The Mountain Wood Fern is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil types. Below are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The fern prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: The fern prefers humus-rich, slightly acidic soil with good drainage.
- Sunlight: The Mountain Wood Fern prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate some morning sun.
- Hardiness Zones: This fern is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Mountain Wood Fern is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few issues to be aware of:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the fronds of the fern. Use slug bait or set up beer traps to help control them.
- Black spot: This fungal disease can cause black spots on the fronds. Remove affected fronds and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Mountain Wood Fern can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. This fern is native to East Asia, North America, and Europe.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Mountain Wood Fern be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the fern can be grown indoors in a bright, humid location. Make sure the soil stays consistently moist and mist the fronds regularly to increase humidity.
Q: How do I propagate the Mountain Wood Fern?
A: The fern can be propagated by division in the spring. Carefully separate the plant into smaller clumps and replant in well-draining soil.
Q: Can the Mountain Wood Fern tolerate drought?
A: No, the fern prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Mountain Wood Fern?
A: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer to promote healthy growth.
Related Plants
- Dryopteris erythrosora
- Dryopteris filix-mas
- Dryopteris marginalis
- Dryopteris sieboldii
References
- “Dryopteris campyloptera.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280636. Accessed 20 Aug. 2021.
- “Mountain Wood Fern.” Plant Care Today, 4 Aug. 2021, plantcaretoday.com/mountain-wood-fern.html. Accessed 20 Aug. 2021.
- “Dryopteris Campyloptera.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1585/mountain-wood-fern/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2021.
