This deciduous fern has a large short stout rhizome up to 100 mm (4 in) across with an even whorl of ascending fronds and forms a clump. It has it has a dark green fishbone-like arching divided frondsand the fertile fronds produced spores during summer.

Hardiness zones 5 to 8

Dryopteris crassirhizoma is naturally found from Japan to Korea, Manchuria and north-east Asia growing in the understory of woodlands on mountain slopes commonly in colonies from sea level to an altitude of 670 m (2,198 ft).

It prefers a semi-shaded to a shaded protected to expose position and it grows in well-drained organic rich moist light sandy to heavy clay soils that a neutral tending acidic. This hardy fern is deer and rabbit resistant and is drought and frost tolerant.

The Crown Wood Fern is grown for its symmetry, attractive foliage and clumping habit. It is mass planted in the understory of woodland setting all beneath shrubs and trees in parks and gardens. It is also planted around water features and in shaded rockeries.

It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions and establishes in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived. It tolerates cold conditions and is planted in alpine gardens. This hardy fern is grown in courtyard planter boxes or patio pots and tubs requiring little care. ID 2676

Dryopteris(dree-op-ter-is) crassirhizoma(kras-ee-ry-ZO-ma)

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