Family: Polypodiaceae
Author: (D.C.Eaton) Kuntze
Bibliography: Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 812 (1891)
Year: 1891
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dryopteris
Vegetable: False
Observations: China to Temp. E. Asia
Description
The Autumn fern, scientifically known as Dryopteris erythrosora, is a captivating fern species cherished by many gardening enthusiasts. This striking plant is celebrated for its seasonally vibrant fronds that undergo a notable change in color throughout the year. Each spring, new fronds emerge with a dazzling copper-red hue, gradually transforming into a lush green as the seasons progress, and providing a dynamic array of colors in any garden where it resides.
First described formally in a manuscript updated by Kuntze in 1891 in the “Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 812,” the Autumn fern is also known by its botanical classifier, (D.C.Eaton) Kuntze, indicating the contributions of both Eaton and Kuntze in its identification and categorization. The name “erythrosora” derives from the Greek words “erythros” meaning red and “soros” meaning heap or pile, likely referring to the reddish sori on the underside of its fronds.
Native to regions ranging from China to the temperate areas of Eastern Asia, the Autumn fern thrives in a variety of conditions but predominantly prefers shaded, moist environments that mimic its native forest floors. Its adaptability and unique aesthetic make it a prized addition to shady gardens and woodland settings across the globe.
Belonging to the family Polypodiaceae, the Autumn fern demonstrates the hardiness and resilience typical of its relatives. Its robust nature allows it to withstand varying temperatures and conditions while requiring relatively low maintenance, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for both beauty and ease of care.
In planting zones where the climate supports its natural habitat conditions, the Autumn fern can serve as a stunning groundcover, providing not just visual interest but also aiding in maintaining garden soil structure and moisture levels. The Autumn fern’s rhythmic color transition and dependable foliage make it a perennial favorite for creating year-round botanical interest.
Common Names
Eng: autumn fern, japanese shield fern
Nld: roze stekelvaren
En: Autumn fern, Japanese shield fern
Nl: Roze stekelvaren
Synonyms
- Dryopteris oblongipinnula (Ching & P.C.Chiu)
- Dryopteris linyingensis (Ching & C.F.Zhang)
- Dryopteris squamistipes (Ching & Z.Y.Liu)
- Lastrea erythrosora ((D.C.Eaton) T.Moore)
- Aspidium prolificum (Maxim. ex Franch. & Sav.)
- Nephrodium prolificum (G.Nicholson)
- Lastrea prolifica (T.Moore)
- Dryopteris erythrosora f. viridisora ((Nakai ex H.Itô) H.Itô)
- Dryopteris erythrosora var. viridisora (Nakai ex H.Itô)
- Dryopteris sinoerythrosora (Ching & K.H.Shing)
- Dryopteris distantipinna (Ching & Z.Y.Liu)
- Aspidium erythrosorum (D.C.Eaton)
- Dryopteris remotipinnula (Ching & C.F.Zhang)
- Nephrodium erythrosorum ((D.C.Eaton) Hook.)
- Dryopteris bulligera (Ching)
- Dryopteris nipponensis (Koidz.)
Distribution
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Feb 1, 2022 by James Brand (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2022 by Wiktoria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Sylvia NÉGOUAI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 4, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2021 by galopilou loup (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Hilbert Fabrero (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2021 by galopilou loup (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7157952)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17094660-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dryopteris erythrosora (D.C. Eaton) Kuntze)