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Description
Dryopteris carthusiana, also known as spinulose wood fern, is a species of fern plant that is native to North America, including Canada and the United States. It is a deciduous plant that grows up to 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width. Its fronds are dark green, lance-shaped, and finely divided, giving it a feathery appearance. This fern plant is an excellent choice for shady areas in the garden, such as under trees or along borders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
Appearance
Dryopteris carthusiana is a beautiful fern plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its fronds can grow up to 3 feet in height and are finely divided, giving them a feathery appearance. The fronds are dark green in color, and the leaflets are lance-shaped and toothed. As the fronds mature, they become more erect and less feathery, giving the plant a more upright appearance.
Care Guide
To keep your Dryopteris carthusiana healthy and beautiful, you need to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips to help you take care of your fern plant:- Water: This fern plant prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: You can fertilize your Dryopteris carthusiana once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: This fern plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Dryopteris carthusiana prefers partial to full shade, making it perfect for shady areas in the garden.- Hardiness Zones: This fern plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Dryopteris carthusiana is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect this fern plant:- Scale insects: These small, flat insects can suck the sap from the fronds, causing them to turn yellow and die.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the fronds of the fern plant, leaving behind large holes.- Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow or orange spots to appear on the fronds.- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Habitat
Dryopteris carthusiana is a fern plant that is native to North America, including Canada and the United States. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and wetlands. This fern plant prefers moist, shady areas and can often be found growing under trees or along borders.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dryopteris carthusiana tolerate full sun?
A: No, this fern plant prefers partial to full shade.
Q: How often should I water my Dryopteris carthusiana?
A: This fern plant prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Dryopteris carthusiana?
A: This fern plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Q: Is Dryopteris carthusiana a deciduous plant?
A: Yes, this fern plant is deciduous.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dryopteris carthusiana:- Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern)- Dryopteris filix-mas (male fern)- Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern)- Dryopteris sieboldii (Siebold’s wood fern)
References
– “Dryopteris carthusiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279352&isprofile=0&- “Dryopteris carthusiana.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dryopteris-carthusiana/- “Spinulose Wood Fern (Dryopteris carthusiana).” Illinois Wildflowers. http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/spinulose_fern.html
