Dryopteris Dilatata

Description

Dryopteris Dilatata, also known as the Broad Buckler Fern, is a popular fern species that belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae. It is a native plant in Europe and can be found in various habitats such as woodlands, slopes, and streamsides. This fern species grows up to 1.5 meters in height and has a spread of up to 1 meter. It is a deciduous plant that produces fronds that can grow up to 1 meter in length.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The fronds of Dryopteris Dilatata are broad and triangular in shape, with a dark green color. These fronds are pinnate, meaning they have a central rachis with many small leaflets on either side. The leaflets are slightly curved, giving the fronds a slightly arching appearance. The fronds emerge in the spring and die back in the winter, with new fronds appearing each year. The plant produces spores on the undersides of the fronds which can be seen as brown dots.

Care Guide

Water: Dryopteris Dilatata prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. It is best to water it deeply once a week rather than giving it shallow waterings more frequently.Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, but you can add a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage growth.Soil: This fern species prefers well-draining soil with high organic matter content. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: Dryopteris Dilatata prefers partial to full shade, but it can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon.Hardiness Zones: This fern species is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dryopteris Dilatata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and root rot if it is grown in poorly-draining soil. It can also be attacked by slugs and snails, which can eat the fronds.

Habitat

Dryopteris Dilatata is a native plant in Europe and can be found in various habitats such as woodlands, slopes, and streamsides. It prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Dryopteris Dilatata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a location with bright indirect light and kept moist.Q: How often should I fertilize Dryopteris Dilatata?
A: This fern species does not require fertilization, but you can add a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage growth.Q: Can Dryopteris Dilatata tolerate dry soil?
A: No, it prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.Q: How do I propagate Dryopteris Dilatata?
A: This fern species can be propagated through spores or by division in the spring.

Related Plants

• Dryopteris erythrosora
• Dryopteris filix-mas
• Dryopteris affinis
• Dryopteris carthusiana

References

• “Dryopteris dilatata.” The Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9712/Dryopteris-dilatata/Details.
• “Dryopteris dilatata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j930.
• “Dryopteris dilatata.” USDA Plants Database, https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=DRDI.