Dryopteris arguta, Coastal Wood Fern

Dryopteris arguta is a beautiful species of wood fern known by the common name Coastal Wood Fern. It grows in oak woodlands and on shady, low elevation slopes. The species is somewhat variable in appearance. Though it prefers loamy soils, it can tolerate heavy clay and everything in between. It is “stress deciduous” meaning its fronds will naturally die back when under stress, such as during peak summer drought, but it will return when temperatures or other growing conditions improve.