Does Dryopteris Marginalis Spread?
Does Dryopteris Marginalis Spread?
Dryopteris Marginalis is a non-spreading evergreen fern that develops a vase-shaped cluster of leathery, deeply cut fronds.
It is planted in gardens with partial to full shade. It is utilized in shady gardens, rock gardens, and native plant communities. There are no significant pest or disease issues, and it is winter-hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Dryopteris Marginalis is known to generate hybrids with ten other species, and some of these hybrids are frequent; they may be recognized by their misshapen spores and sori that are not precisely on the leaf edges.
Dryopteris Marginalis does not spread like other ferns. They are in fact very clump forming. In nature the plants grow in clumps to about 1-2 feet tall. The fern is hardy, easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
While Dryopteris Marginalis does not spread by rhizomes or stolons, it is a reliable and hardy plant that requires little maintenance beyond watering.
Dryopteris Marginalis is a beautiful fern that looks great in rock gardens, shaded gardens, and as a specimen plant. When the plants begin to break down, the rhizomes are easily removed and the clump can be replanted.
How Big Do Dryopteris Marginalis Get?
The Marginal Wood Fern reaches around 1-2 feet tall. They can be planted in the ground or in a container on the patio.
The Marginal Wood Fern makes for an excellent perennial for shaded areas. This fern does well growing in full to part sun with adequate attention of water. Each leaf is composed of leaflets that are placed on either side of the stem.
In general, the tips of these leaflets are curled toward the leaf tip. These leaflets are subdivided into subleaflets with blunt tips and serrated or lobed edges. The fertile leaflets (leaflets bearing sori and spores) are similar in size and appearance to the fertile leaflets.
The circular sori are located at the leaf’s margins. Before the sori are mature, they are initially gray, then turn an intriguing blue-violet hue, and finally become brown. The sori are covered by a smooth, kidney-shaped indusium.
The ideal conditions for this fern are moist soil, rich, acidic soil with good drainage. The Marginal Wood Fern grows in dappled shade to full shade conditions. This fern is drought and heat tolerant with minimum care.
The Marginal Wood Fern is a great choice for indoor as well as outdoor use. The plants prefer moist soil and will do well in containers on patios and porches as long as they receive adequate water during the summer months.
What Type Of Soil Does Dryopteris Marginalis Prefer?
Dryopteris Marginalis prefers moist, well drained acidic soil, with a pH between 5.0 -7.5 and it will grow in sun to partial shade. This fern tends to live at the edge of woods where the soil has more organic matter and is moist or sometimes wet.
Dryopteris Marginalis is a native species of dead leaf ferns that is easy to grow and propagate. This fern prefers neutral to acidic soils and tolerates well-drained, infertile soil.
Marginal Wood Ferns are hardy, easy to grow and require minimal maintenance once established. Dryopteris Marginalis is a long lived perennial plant that will live for many years in its ideal environment. The soil should be well drained and not too rich nor too acidic.
Do Dryopteris Marginalis Flowers Bloom All Year Round?
Dryopteris Marginalis flowers appear in spring, on the margins of the leaf axils. The plants flower during the spring and summer and are a flat horizontal turf with spikes at intervals of approximately 5-8 inches apart. The spikes are green above and below with orange veins running through them giving a speckled look to the foliage. These plants can grow up to 12 inches tall.
Dryopteris Marginalis produce spores at the bottom of each spike. The spikes are organized in two rows, with the fertile (light brown) and dark sterile spikes alternating along the length of the main stalk.
Dryopteris Marginalis reproduce by spores which are light brown. The plants will form new fronds in late summer or early fall and these fronds will turn a bronze color or a combination of green and bronze depending on the amount of sunlight and water they receive.
Is Dryopteris Marginalis Evergreen?
Dryopteris Marginalis is evergreen in the sense that, it is a perennial plant and will come back year after year, with the right conditions. Dryopteris Marginalis is one of the few evergreen ferns, along with Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern).
The marginal wood fern develops from a clump with a noticeable central rootstock, which may be exposed and give the appearance of a miniature tree fern. Typically, dead leaves will collect beneath the plant.
The stipe, or stem, which supports the leaf is around a quarter of the leaf’s length and is coated in golden brown scales. The stipe is grooved on the upward-facing side, dark reddish-brown at the base, and becomes green as it ascends the leaf.
The ideal temperature for coleoptile (fertile) spike propagation is 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day but the temperatures that are ideal for leaf production are lower in the mid-50s range. Dryopteris Marginalis can be propagated by seed, it should be sown directly in the soil or just below where they would want to start forming new fronds.
What Color Are Dryopteris Marginalis?
Dryopteris Marginalis has a very distinctive appearance with it’s sharply cut fronds that grow in alternate rows along the stem. The fronds are divided into 8 large light and dark green, above on the upper part of the frond and smaller below, giving a speckled appearance to the lower fronds.
The margins of the leaves have sharp, light margins. Dryopteris Marginalis is known for its beautiful and ornamental “ferns” that are a great choice for those who love ferns in their garden, rock gardens or plant containers on patios or porches.
The foliage is of an olive green color with dark markings. Dryopteris Marginalis grows to around 1-2 feet tall. Both the foliage and fronds are very attractive. The plants can grow in full sun, in part shade with adequate water but will do better in full sun.
Is Dryopteris Marginalis Toxic To Cats?
Dryopteris Marginalis is toxic to Cats. Cats are at risk for gastrointestinal upset if they consume the Marginal Wood Fern. Dryopteris Marginalis have needle-like calcium oxalate crystals on the leaves and in the stems of plants.
These crystals can cause irritation. If a cat consumes Dryopteris Marginalis plants, they may vomit, become lethargic and have instances of abdominal pain. It causes gastrointestinal irritation and excess consumption can be fatal.
Dryopteris Marginalis has needle-like calcium oxalate crystals on the leaves and stems. These crystals can cause irritation. If a cat consumes Dryopteris Marginalis plants, they may vomit, become lethargic and have instances of abdominal pain.
It causes gastrointestinal irritation and excess consumption can be fatal. Dryopteris Marginalis is toxic to horses and cattle as well as cats. If your cat consumes Marginal Wood Fern, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Is Dryopteris Marginalis Hard To Get Rid Of?
Dryopteris Marginalis is very hard to get rid of once it takes hold of your garden or yard. It can be very invasive if the conditions are suitable for its growth. Dryopteris Marginalis is relatively easy to control when the environments are wet and well-drained or humid.
The plants are easier to manage when they are young, but they may take over an entire bed if left uncontrolled.
When getting rid of Dryopteris Marginalis, it is preferable to get rid of all the plants as soon as possible. A lawn that has been invaded by Dryopteris Marginalis will not grow back and will require mowing every week.
When you are getting rid of Dryopteris Marginalis, try to deal with areas that are in the middle of your lawn. Once it becomes more established, you will have a very hard time getting rid of the unwanted weed.
When Should I Cut My Dryopteris Marginalis?
Dryopteris Marginalis is more easily controlled when they are young, but you can cut at any time. Cutting the plants will expose other areas to sunlight, which will provide heat and promote germination. It needs frequent watering to prevent leaves from withering or turning yellow. If the plant is in full sun, be sure it does not get too dry out and that it does not get too wet either.
When you are cutting your Dryopteris Marginalis, try to cut as close to the fronds as possible. When cutting, you will expose the plant to sunlight, which will provide heat and promote germination. Dryopteris Marginalis is vulnerable to high temperatures and should be cut in the spring or late fall.
The plants are more easily managed when they are younger. Dryopteris Marginalis is susceptible to a disease known as fern anthracnose, which can eliminate large groups of plants that one time seemed healthy and strong.
Smaller clusters of Dryopteris Marginalis are easier to manage with this disease. When you cut back your Dryopteris Marginalis, you will expose the plant to sunlight which will provide heat and promote germination.
