Looking to add beauty and structure to shady spaces—without the fuss? Native ferns are a timeless, low-maintenance solution. They’re tough, deer-resistant, and thrive in the kinds of woodland conditions Minnesota naturally provides.
Here are three standout native ferns to know and grow:
1. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)
Delicate and architectural, Maidenhair is the artist of the bunch. Its wiry black stems and airy, fan-shaped fronds create a graceful, layered look in shady gardens.
-
Habit: Clump-forming
-
Light: Part to full shade
-
Soil: Moist, well-drained; rich in organic matter
-
Best for: Adding elegance to woodland gardens or shaded borders
2. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Big and bold, Ostrich Fern brings dramatic height and lush texture. It’s a fast spreader that thrives in moist soil and is perfect for naturalizing or stabilizing shady slopes.
-
Habit: Spreading via underground rhizomes
-
Light: Part to full shade
-
Soil: Moist to wet
-
Best for: Large-scale planting, rain gardens, erosion control
3. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Evergreen and tidy, Christmas Fern provides year-round interest—even under snow. It stays in a neat clump and doesn’t spread aggressively, making it perfect for mixed shade plantings.
-
Habit: Clump-forming
-
Light: Shade to part sun
-
Soil: Average, well-drained
-
Best for: Low-maintenance shade gardens, edging paths, winter interest
These native ferns are more than ornamental—they’re ecologically beneficial, too. They create cover for small wildlife, suppress weeds, and contribute to a layered, thriving shade garden.
👉 Find all three in our Native Plants section—while supplies last.