Giant Ostrich Fern

Glade fern (Homalosorus pycnocarpos) is a native woodland fern that grows in every part of Tennessee, though it is only lightly scattered across the west. Our store lists it as Giant Ostrich Fern. We ship it bare-root in packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500, for shaded slopes, creek banks and woodland beds.

Glade Fern Size, Zones and Shade

A glade fern clump grows 2 to 3 feet high and just as wide, in zones 3-8. The fronds arch and shine, a bright green running 1.5 to 3.5 feet, and the leaflets are longest toward the middle. Dappled shade and deep shade both work, and so do acidic, neutral and alkaline soils.

Fronds and Spores

Plain sterile fronds come up first in spring. Fertile fronds follow later in the season with narrower leaflets, and dark, elongated spore patches line their undersides in a herringbone pattern. That herringbone is the quickest way to identify it. The other names it goes by, silvery spleenwort and narrow-leaved spleenwort, describe the frond shape.

Where Glade Fern Grows in the Wild

It grows on lower wooded slopes, valley bottoms, shaded ravines and moist woods along streams, often where sandstone or limestone sits near the surface. Plant it where those conditions are close: rich soil, steady moisture and good drainage. Creeping rhizomes spread it into large colonies. Deer and rabbits leave it alone. Read our guide to large ferns in landscaping for placement ideas.

Good to Know About Glade Fern

Fronds brown when the soil stays dry for a long stretch, so water during dry spells the first seasons. To make more plants later, divide the clump. See why native ferns make excellent border plants.

Glade Fern Packs and Shipping

Glade fern ships bare-root now, in packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500. Volume pricing available. Browse more fern plants for sale.