Eared Lady Fern

Athyrium otophorum, the Eared Lady Fern, is a compact woodland fern with finely divided, arching fronds and burgundy-red stalks. New foliage opens pale green, then matures to green or gray-green, giving a subtle two-tone effect in a shaded planting ([University of Delaware Botanic Gardens sale catalog](https://canr.udel.edu/udbg/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2024/03/Ferns-Catalog-2024.pdf); [Chicago Botanic Garden trial](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no39_ferns.pdf)). ## Placement and growing conditions Use it in part shade to full shade, in a sheltered woodland bed or shaded border. It grows best in rich, moisture-retentive soil that drains well; allow the root zone to dry only briefly, since prolonged dryness can scorch or weaken the foliage. Garden references generally place mature plants around 1–2 ft tall and wide. The catalog’s current dimensions and USDA zones 5–9 remain within documented horticultural ranges and are retained. ## Seasonal character Pale new fronds are most noticeable in spring, while fresh growth can continue through the growing season. The species is usually deciduous, although the RHS notes that it may hold foliage through winter in warm, sheltered conditions. The name is accepted by Kew; “auriculate lady fern” is another recorded common name ([Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17306750-1); [USDA GRIN-Global](https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=403645)). ## Maintenance Water during dry spells and maintain an organic mulch over the root zone. Remove dead or damaged fronds as they decline, usually in late winter or early spring. Divide established clumps in spring when propagation is desired.