Alpine Wood Fern

Wallich's wood fern, also called alpine wood fern, makes a vase-shaped crown of pale to dark green fronds with contrasting scaly ribs. This perennial grows in partial to full shade and is best placed where its mature clump has room to expand. ## Form and placement North Carolina Extension reports a height and spread of 2–4 feet, while Missouri Botanical Garden lists a mature height of 4–5 feet and spread near 3 feet. The variation reflects different garden references; allow a broad two-to-five-foot height range and two-to-four feet of spread. Use it in a shaded border, woodland garden, or as a ground-covering fern around rocks. ([North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dryopteris-wallichiana/common-name/wallichs-wood-fern/); [Missouri Botanical Garden](https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?gen=Dryopteris&isprofile=0&taxonid=285988)) ## Soil and water Give the plant moist, well-drained soil; it can grow in clay or soil rich in organic matter. Water during establishment and prolonged dry weather. North Carolina Extension notes that established plants tolerate some drought, but steady moisture supports fresh fronds. ([North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dryopteris-wallichiana/common-name/wallichs-wood-fern/)) ## Maintenance Mulch to conserve soil moisture and divide crowded clumps every few years if needed. Its foliage may be deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on winter conditions. Deer seldom damage it. ([North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dryopteris-wallichiana/common-name/wallichs-wood-fern/))