Ferns🌿 Native to the NetherlandsVery hardy — tolerates frost down to -25°C

Male fern

Dryopteris filix-mas

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Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is an originally native fern with sturdy, twice-pinnate leaves in a wide funnel-shaped clump. The stalk is densely covered with large golden-brown scales. From June into autumn, round sori are visible on the underside of the leaves. The species grows in humus-rich deciduous and coniferous forests, hedges, slopes, old walls, and tree trunks, as well as along shaded ditches. Male Fern is suitable as robust undergrowth beneath trees and shrubs.

Specific care needed

Plant in humus-rich soil that remains moist but airy. An annual mulch layer of leaf compost helps during dry spells. Avoid keeping the crown submerged or under a thick layer of wet material for long periods.

Year calendar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
🍂Has autumn colour

Pruning period

✂️Best pruning period: Feb–Mar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
✂️ Pruning period

Best pruning period

Remove dead or damaged leaves before young fronds unroll.

Botanical profile

Site & soil

Half shade, Shade

Soil type: Clay, Sand, Loam, Humus-rich

Moisture need: Moderately moist, Moist

pH: Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5), Neutral (6.5–7.5), Chalky (>7.5)

Nutrient richness: Nutrient-poor, Moderately nutrient-rich, Nutrient-rich

Humus content: Moderately humus-rich, Humus-rich

Water drainage: Well draining, Moisture-retentive

Appearance & season

Mature height: 30-120cm

Bloom: Niet van toepassing

Autumn colour: Yellow-green to yellow-brown; part of the foliage may persist longer in mild winters.

Properties

Salt sensitive: Yes

Edible: No

The rhizome, in particular, contains toxic substances and must not be eaten.

Scent: No distinctive odor. Bruised leaves have a light green and earthy scent.

Creeping rhizome: No

Ecological value

Male Fern is a host plant for various caterpillars and provides habitat for leaf miners, beetles, bugs, spiders, and snails. The sturdy leaves form a moist and sheltered space near the ground. Birds search among the fern fronds for insects and other small animals. Shrews, hedgehogs, and other small mammals can use the clump as cover. Dead foliage provides food for fungi, woodlice, millipedes, and other litter decomposers.

Food web & Biodiversity

🐛 Caterpillars & mothsVery useful

🐝 Bees & bumblebeesLimited

🪰 HoverfliesUseful

🦋 ButterfliesUseful

🪲 Beetles & insectsVery useful

🐦 BirdsUseful

🐿️ MammalsUseful

🐞 Other animalsVery useful

The leaves are utilized by specialized fern-feeders, thereby indirectly providing food for birds and small mammals. The funnel-shaped clump offers cover for soil animals and amphibians. The species has no significance as a nectar plant, but it is important for the forest floor food web.

Distribution in the Netherlands