This deciduous to evergreen fern has a stout short-creeping rhizome with radiating cycad-like foliage and forms a small clump. It has dark green fishbone-like leathery divided fronds with a dark midrib and the fertile fronds produce spores during summer.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9

Dryopteris cycadina is naturally found from northern India to China, Japan  and Taiwan growing on mountain slopes in the understory of dense forests at an altitude from 1,600 m (5,249 ft) to 2,600m (8,530 ft).

It prefers a semi-shaded to shaded wind protected position and grows in well to poorly drained humus rich moist to dry sandy to clay soils that are neutral tending acidic and will tolerate chalky soils. It is rabbit and deer tolerant and is frost and drought resistant.

The Black Wood Fern is grown for its attractive foliage and clumping habit. It is planted in small gardens along shaded borders or used in moist rockeries. It is also naturalised in woodland settings and planted in a patio pots or planter boxes tolerating some full sun exposure. 

It is suitable for inland or low mountain regions and establishes in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived. This hardy fern is planted around water features for a tropical effect and is suitable for cooler regions and is used in alpine gardens. ID 2674

Dryopteris (dree-op-te-ris) cycadina (sy-kad-EE-nuh)

Dryopteridaceae (DRY-op-TER-ee-DAY-see-ee)