Mountain Male Fern

The Mountain Male Fern, Dryopteris oreades (formerly Dryopteris borreri), is a robust and hardy semi-evergreen fern native to the upland and mountainous regions of the UK. It is smaller and more compact than the common Male Fern, forming a neat, shuttlecock-like rosette of dark green, somewhat leathery fronds that are bipinnate. The fronds are lance-shaped and emerge with a distinctive scaly texture, particularly on the stipes. It typically grows to 30-60cm in height and spread, making it a good choice for smaller shaded areas or rock gardens. This resilient fern thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil. Its hardiness and neat habit make it a reliable choice for adding year-round texture to cooler, shadier spots in the garden.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acidic to neutral.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.