Description

California’s many fern species are generally dormant for a good portion of the year, grow in continually moist settings, or both. Few evergreen species grow in the summer drought so typical of our state. The California wood fern is one of those exceptional summer-dry evergreens. One encounters this attractive fern on shady slopes throughout much of the state. It may form quite a stand under optimal conditions. The finely dissected fronds, moderate size, and adaptability make this an ideal garden subject. Just provide a fairly shady, dry setting. This fern has been notoriously difficult to propagate from spores. Happily, someone has figured it out.