// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Crested woodfern

Dryopteris cristata

Crested woodfern (Dryopteris cristata) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes MO — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 2a–9a. Mature size 6"–3'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 31 U.S. states, including AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–9a
Mature size: 6"–3'
Sun: Part shade
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Crested woodfern (Dryopteris cristata) — *Dryopteris cristata* — Crested woodfern. Photo by Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 07:58, 29 June 2007 (UTC) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, crested woodfern pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).