Family: Dryopteridaceae
Common Name: Shield Fern

These 200 species of ferns are distributed world-wide. The upright rhizomes are covered in scales, sometimes forming a short, trunk-like structure with age. The arching fronds are simply or severally divided, and form a crown. Proliferous buds, or bulbils-those which pro-duce new plants vegetatively-may be found at the tips of fronds. These tough, wiry ferns make excellent garden subjects or container plants.

Species

P. formosum, broad shield fern, zone 10, is from eastern Australia. The short, thick rootstock and stems are covered with dull brown scales; the coarse, dark green fronds are broader at the centre than the other species; and the leathery leaflets are deeply toothed. Propagation is from spores only.

P. proliferum, mother shield fern, zone 10, from eastern Australia, has a solid rhizome, covered in dark brown, shiny scales, forming a short trunk. The large, divided fronds are light green when young, darker green with age, and produce tiny plantlets near the tips. This species is very easily grown from proliferous buds on the fronds.

P. setiferum, soft shield fern, zone 7, is one of the most widely grown species, adapting well to a wide range of conditions. It originates in wood-lands of Britain and Europe. Fronds are tall and arching, and generally over 75 cm (30 in) long. Numerous cultivars are grown. Some produce offsets or bulbils along the mid-veins, making propagation simple.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, the tender species are grown in an intermediate to warm greenhouse or conservatory. Outdoors, the hardy species like very well drained soil which contains plenty of humus, and full or partial shade. They are good in a shrub border or woodland garden. Most species can be propagated from the bulbils which can be removed from the parent plant, and potted or planted in the garden when sufficiently mature. Others may be propagated from spores. Clumps can be lifted and divided in late winter or spring.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.