Dryopteris Linearis Poldactyla

Description

Dryopteris ‘Linearis Polydactyla’ – lacy male fern

Botanical name: Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Linearis Polydactyla’
Common names: Lacy male fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Deciduous fern
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 60–90cm tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Slender, finely cut, lacy fronds ending in many-fingered crested tips; deciduous
Flowers: None — ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; tolerates drier shade; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Selected form; the species is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Dryopteris ‘Linearis Polydactyla’ is an elegant male fern with slender, finely cut lacy fronds ending in many-fingered crested tips. Graceful and easy, it brings refined texture to shady and woodland borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A particularly refined form of the native male fern, ‘Linearis Polydactyla’ combines narrow, finely divided, lacy fronds with distinctive many-fingered (polydactyl) crests at the tips, giving an airy, ornate elegance. Tough and tolerant of drier shade like the species, it is a graceful choice for adding fine texture to shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Work in leaf mould or compost to hold moisture, and space according to the ultimate size, generally about 45–60cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, especially while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove old, tatty or frost-burnt fronds in early spring before the new growth unfurls. No feeding is usually needed beyond an annual mulch.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.
• Spores: Can be raised from spores sown on moist, sterile compost, though this is slow and specialised.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust. Slugs and snails may graze the soft young fronds as they unfurl in spring, and fronds can scorch in dry or exposed positions. Moist soil and shelter keep it looking its best.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for shady and woodland borders and among hostas and other shade plants, where its lacy, crested fronds add a light, refined texture

Wildlife value

The fronds and crown provide cover and shelter for small invertebrates through the year.

Toxicity & safety

Ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets, though as with all ornamental plants they are not intended for eating.

GardenAdvice tip

This is one of the most elegant male ferns, its narrow lacy fronds and finely fingered tips giving an almost feathery effect that lightens a shady border. It has all the toughness of the common male fern — tolerating drier shade than most — so you get refinement and reliability in one easy plant.

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