Broad buckler-fern - Dryopteris dilatata

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Broad buckler-fern - Dryopteris dilatata
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

The broad buckler is an attractive and widely distributed fern of moist woodlands, around streams, waterfalls and pockets of deep leaf litter. It is deciduous, with the new fronds uncurling in early spring. The fronds grow out of the underground, root-like stem on long scaly stalks. They are broad, triangular and deeply divided, growing up to 120cm long in rich soil conditions. The broad buckler-fern can be grown in a shady border, woodland garden or in a shady position next to a pond.

Few invertebrates are associated with ferns and their role in gardening with wildlife in mind is therefore rather limited. Some ground beetles may be found in the foliage litter at the base of the plant and ladybirds may shelter among the fronds.

Animals

Beetles, Ladybirds

Foliage	Green
Flower	,
Moisture	(Average)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Native