Lady Ferns are upright, clump-forming perennials with a feathery, lacy texture and wine-red stems. Their fiddleheads are among the first to emerge in the spring, and they can exhibit a fair bit of variability due to their wide geographic distribution. They are amazingly adaptable to a wide range of soil types, tough and easy to grow, and tolerant of drier conditions than many other ferns. They will also tolerate sunnier conditions if they are kept reliably and consistently moist. However, they prefer shady sites with moist, rich soils and shelter from the wind and heavy rain to avoid breakage. Sources: Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke The Morton Arboretum-Black Walnut Toxicity Missouri Botanical Garden
