// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Southern woodfern

Dryopteris ludoviciana

Southern woodfern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 5b–11b. Mature size 6"–4'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 9 U.S. states, including AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5b–11b
Mature size: 6"–4'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Southern woodfern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) — *Dryopteris ludoviciana* — Southern woodfern. Photo by Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5).

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, southern woodfern pairs naturally with: American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa).