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Description
Dryopteris Sacrosancta, commonly known as the Holy Wood fern or the Sacred Shield fern, is a unique species of fern that belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family. It is a deciduous fern that grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has a spread of approximately 1 meter. The fronds of the Dryopteris Sacrosancta are pinnate with an elongated triangular shape, and they have a deep green color with a glossy texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
Appearance
The Dryopteris Sacrosancta has elongated triangular fronds that grow up to 1.5 meters tall and approximately 1 meter wide. The fronds are pinnate and have a deep green color with a glossy texture. The fern has a unique appearance due to the presence of scales on its stipe and rachis, which gives it a distinct look. The scales are brown in color and have a circular shape, which makes the fern stand out from other fern species.
Care Guide
The Dryopteris Sacrosancta requires a moderate amount of care to thrive. It prefers to grow in a shaded area with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The fern requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but it is essential to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. The fern is hardy in zones 5-9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dryopteris Sacrosancta is prone to several pests and diseases. The common pests that attack the fern include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. The fern is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. It is necessary to remove infected foliage and treat the fern with a suitable fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
The Dryopteris Sacrosancta is native to Asia, specifically found in the Himalayan region. It grows in the understory of forests and prefers to grow in moist soil. The fern is also found in the temperate regions of Europe and North America, where it is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Dryopteris Sacrosancta be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the fern can be grown indoors in a shaded area with well-draining soil.
Q: How often should the Dryopteris Sacrosancta be fertilized?
A: The fern should be fertilized once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What are the common pests that attack the Dryopteris Sacrosancta?
A: The common pests that attack the fern include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
Q: Is the Dryopteris Sacrosancta a hardy plant?
A: Yes, the fern is hardy in zones 5-9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C.
Related Plants
- Dryopteris affinis
- Dryopteris filix-mas
- Dryopteris erythrosora
- Dryopteris cristata
- Dryopteris marginalis
References
- Flora of China: Dryopteris sacrosancta. (2021). Efloras.org. https://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200004109
- Dryopteris sacrosancta (Sacred Shield Fern) – Garden.org. (2021). Garden.org. https://garden.org/plants/view/79086/Dryopteris-sacrosancta-Sacred-Shield-Fern/
- Dryopteris sacrosancta – Plant Finder. (2021). Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280777&isprofile=0&basic=dryopteris%20sacrosancta
