Log fern is a fertile, naturally occurring, semi-evergreen hybrid between D. ludoviciana (Southern Shield Fern) and D. goldiana (Goldie’s Wood Fern) with a range in central, eastern and southeastern U.S. Log fern grows rapidly with wide, shiny, deeply cut, dark green fronds and dark stripes along the central rib. The sori, the spore-producing structures, are round and are found in a single row on either side of the midrib of the fertile pinnae. One of Log Fern’s best features is its vigor. Growing to about 4′ (“celsa” means elevated, lofty, erect), Log Fern will thrive in bright shade and prefers soil with high organic matter that is not too dry. It is often seen growing in rotten logs in the woods, hence its common name. In the garden, Log Fern is trouble-free and dependable and contrasts beautifully with its more finely textured neighbors there.
