Close-up of a dense patch of green ferns

Leather Wood Fern

American Beauties Native Plants®

Dryopteris marginalis

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Pairs well with

Blue-green, leathery fronds are evergreen, providing year-round texture in shady spots. It is a slow-spreading native fern that resists deer and stays tidy through the seasons.

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Size at Maturity

Height 18"- 24" Spread 24"- 30"

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Growing Zone

USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8

Lowest Temperatures -40°F to -30°F

Light Requirements

Part shade to full shade - less than 6 hours direct sunlight per day

Host Plant For

Host to various fern-feeding moths

Native Range

AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV

Special Conditions

  • Deer Resistant
  • Wet Soil

Seasons of Interest

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter

Planting and Care Guide

Planting Tips

Plant in spring in a shaded woodland garden or under deciduous trees. This fern requires moist, humus-rich soil. Work compost or leaf mold into the planting area before planting. Space fronds 18–24 inches apart and water thoroughly after planting. Mulch with shredded leaves or fine bark to keep the root zone cool and moist. Avoid planting in hot, dry, or exposed sites.

Care Tips

Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. An annual top-dressing of compost or leaf mold helps maintain the rich organic soil conditions ferns need. Remove old, tattered fronds in early spring before new growth emerges. No fertilizing is necessary if the soil is rich in organic matter. A reliable, long-lived groundcover for shady spots.

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