Contents
Description
Parathelypteris Simulata, also known as the False Woodsia, is a species of fern that is native to North America. It belongs to the family Thelypteridaceae and is commonly found in moist forests, rocky slopes, and streambanks. This fern is a great addition to any garden due to its unique appearance and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Thelypteridales |
| Family | Thelypteridaceae |
| Genus | Parathelypteris |
Appearance
The False Woodsia is a deciduous fern that grows up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its fronds are triangular in shape and can be up to 12 inches long. They are a bright green color with a slightly hairy texture. The fronds grow in a circular pattern, creating a rosette-like appearance. The False Woodsia also produces spores on the underside of its fronds, which can be seen as small brown dots.
Care Guide
The False Woodsia is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Parathelypteris Simulata:
- Water: The False Woodsia prefers moist soil, so it’s important to keep it well-watered. Water it regularly, but make sure the soil isn’t waterlogged.
- Fertilization: This fern doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if you’d like.
- Soil: The False Woodsia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
- Sunlight: This fern prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight. It can tolerate full shade, but may not grow as quickly.
- Hardiness Zones: The False Woodsia is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The False Woodsia is a relatively pest-resistant plant, but it can still fall victim to a few common pests and diseases. Here are some to watch out for:
- Scale insects: These insects can attach themselves to the fronds of the False Woodsia and suck the sap from the plant, causing damage. Use an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots to appear on the fronds of the False Woodsia. Remove any infected fronds and spray the fern with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease can occur if the soil is too wet or if the plant is over-watered. Make sure the soil has good drainage and don’t water the plant excessively.
Habitat
The False Woodsia is native to North America and can be found in moist forests, rocky slopes, and streambanks. It prefers areas with partial shade or dappled sunlight and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This fern is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the False Woodsia be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the False Woodsia can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in an area with partial shade and kept well-watered.
Q: How often should I fertilize my False Woodsia?
A: The False Woodsia doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if you’d like.
Q: Can the False Woodsia be propagated?
A: Yes, the False Woodsia can be propagated by spores or by dividing the plant in the spring.
Q: Does the False Woodsia attract any wildlife?
A: Yes, the False Woodsia can attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Parathelypteris Noveboracensis
- Thelypteris Palustris
- Dryopteris Marginalis
- Athyrium Niponicum
References
- “Parathelypteris Simulata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280013.
- “Parathelypteris Simulata.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17118630-1.
- “False Woodsia.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/false-woodsiainformation-3269379.
