Common Name: eared lady fern
Type: Fern
Family: Athyriaceae
Native Range: Eastern Asia
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Tolerate: Rabbit, Heavy Shade
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers rich moist soils. Leaf scorch and general foliage decline will occur if soils are allowed to dry out.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Athyrium otophorum, commonly called eared lady fern, is a deciduous, woodland species which typically grows to 18" tall and features erect, triangular, dusky green fronds with dark burgundy stems (stipes and rachises). Young fronds emerge throughout the growing season as a pale green, thus giving the foliage a two-toned appearance.
Genus name comes from Greek athyros meaning "doorless" in reference to the slowly opening hinged indusia (spore covers).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Shade or woodland gardens.