// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Male fern

Dryopteris filix

Male fern (Dryopteris filix) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes OK — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 2a–13a. Mature size 6"–4'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 23 U.S. states, including AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–13a
Mature size: 6"–4'
Sun: Part shade
Water: —
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Male fern (Dryopteris filix) — *Dryopteris filix* — Male fern. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Ben Redding, some rights reserved (CC BY).

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, male fern pairs naturally with: Common selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), Coon's tail (Ceratophyllum demersum), Fringed willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum), Fringed willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum ssp. ciliatum).