Hardy, deciduous, Eastern North American perennial Description: Handsome, broadly lance-shaped sterile fronds and distinctive fertile fronds bearing a mass of cinnamon-brown spores at the top in spring Habit: Grows 2 to 3 feet high and wide Culture: Prefers moist, fertile, humus-rich, preferably acidic soil, in light, dappled shade Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 through 8 Origin: North America, South America, West Indies, Eastern Asia Attributes: Rabbit tolerant, rain garden This handsome fern grew abundantly in forests and stream banks and was first introduced to Europe by early American naturalists in 1772. While ferns were not generally planted in early American gardens the foliage was often used to pack plants for shipping. This plant will ship bare root.Arrives as a medium clump.Bare root planting tips: If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center. Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery. Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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