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

Narrow buckler-fern

Name: Narrow buckler-fern (Dryopteris carthusiana)
Brand: HSMN Planten
SKU: 6a8b542a22e403169e0c21a5
Price: 6.45 EUR
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Dryopteris carthusiana

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Narrow Buckler Fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) is an originally native fern with relatively narrow, finely divided leaves. The leaf segments end in small prickly tips, and the stalk carries quite uniform light-brown scales. The leaves largely die back during winter. The species grows in moist forests, swamp forests, peat areas, along ditches, and on decaying wood. Narrow Buckler Fern requires acidic, humus-rich, and evenly moist soil. Spores ripen on the underside of the leaves in summer and early autumn.

Specific care needed

Do not let the soil dry out completely and maintain a natural litter layer. Do not use calcareous compost or strong fertilizers. The species grows best in high humidity.

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

Leave dead foliage during winter and remove it before new growth appears.

Botanical profile

Site & soil

Half shade, Shade

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

Moisture need: Moderately moist, Moist

pH: Acidic (<5.5), Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5)

Nutrient richness: Nutrient-poor, Moderately nutrient-rich

Humus content: Moderately humus-rich, Humus-rich, Peaty

Water drainage: Well draining, Moisture-retentive

Appearance & season

Mature height: 30-80cm

Bloom: Niet van toepassing

Autumn colour: Yellow-green to brown before the leaves die back.

Properties

Salt sensitive: Yes

Edible: No

Do not consume.

Scent: No distinctive odor. Bruised leaves smell slightly green and earthy.

Creeping rhizome: No

Ecological value

The leaves are used by specialized caterpillars, leaf miners, and other small insects. The airy clump also provides shelter for spiders, beetles, woodlice, and snails. In moist forests and peat areas, the fern helps protect the soil from drying out. Birds and shrews search for small animals among the leaves. Dying foliage is incorporated into the litter layer by fungi and soil organisms.

Food web & Biodiversity

🐛 Caterpillars & mothsVery useful

🐝 Bees & bumblebeesLimited

🪰 HoverfliesUseful

🦋 ButterfliesUseful

🪲 Beetles & insectsVery useful

🐦 BirdsUseful

🐿️ MammalsUseful

🐞 Other animalsVery useful

Narrow Buckler Fern primarily supports animals that live off fern foliage, leaf litter, or a moist forest microclimate. Birds, amphibians, and small mammals benefit from the cover and the insects present. The plant provides no nectar or pollen.

Distribution in the Netherlands