Eastern Wood Fern, also known as Marginal Shield Fern or Marginal Wood Fern, is tough, resilient and evergreen. The species name “marginalis” does not refer to its hardiness, but instead to its sori (grouped spore cases) that are clustered on the margins of the pinnae, on the underside of the fronds. These ferns are a deep, leathery grey-green color with a pleasingly symmetrical vase-like shape. The fronds are continuously being replenished throughout the growing season, unlike many other ferns which only have one flush of growth per season. Fronds in less than perfect condition can be trimmed back to maintain a neat appearance. Eastern Wood Ferns are a strongly clumping fern that do not colonize. They lend year-round interest to the landscape and look stunning planted in groups of odd numbers throughout shady rock gardens, woodland gardens or even in tough areas of dry shade. Sources: Growing and Propagating Wild Flowers by Harry R. Phillips Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina Missouri Botanical Garden The Morton Arboretum-Black Walnut Toxicity Photo Credit: Mature: Chhe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
