Family: Polypodiaceae
Author: (Hoffm.) A.Gray
Bibliography: Manual: 631 (1848)
Year: 1848
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dryopteris
Vegetable: False
Observations: Azores, Europe to N. Iran, SW. Siberia to Mongolia
Description
The Mountain Wood Fern, botanically known as Dryopteris dilatata, is a distinguished member of the Polypodiaceae family. This perennial fern is celebrated for its lush, arching fronds which contribute to its ornamental value in gardens and natural landscapes.
This species thrives predominantly in the temperate regions, with its broad natural habitat extending from the Azores across Europe, reaching into Northern Iran, Southwestern Siberia, and Mongolia. Its adaptability to a variety of climatic conditions underscores its robust nature.
The fronds of Dryopteris dilatata are typically dark green, finely divided, and triangular in shape, enhancing the plant’s decorative appeal. They can grow impressively up to 100-120 cm in length, forming a dense, vase-like clump that makes it a standout feature in shaded garden corners or woodlands. This fern also plays a pivotal role in enhancing biodiversity, providing habitat and shelter for a variety of woodland creatures and insects.
A stalwart of the fern family, the Mountain Wood Fern has been documented thoroughly in botanical literature, reflecting its importance and interest among botanists and gardeners alike. First described in an authoritative manual published in 1848, this fern has since been a subject of continued fascination due to its resilience and aesthetic charm.
Caring for Dryopteris dilatata involves ensuring it is planted in a location that mimics its natural woodland habitat. It favors moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, thriving in partial to full shade. While generally hardy, it benefits from a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and provide some winter protection.
In summary, the Mountain Wood Fern (Dryopteris dilatata) is a versatile and attractive addition to shaded gardens. Its extensive geographical spread from Europe to Mongolia speaks to its adaptability, while its lush fronds offer year-round interest and ecological benefits. An enduring subject of botanical studies since the mid-19th century, this fern continues to intrigue and delight those dedicated to fostering garden diversity and natural beauty.
Common Names
Dan: bredbladet mangeløv
Deu: breitblättriger dornfarn, breitblättriger wurmfarn, breiter wurmfarn
Eng: broad buckler fern, broad buckler-fern, broad wood fern, mountain wood fern, common buckler-fern
Nld: brede stekelvaren
Fra: dryoptéris dilaté
Fin: etelänalvejuuri
Swe: etelänalvejuuri, lundbräken, sydlig lundbräken
Nob: geittelg
Nno: geittelg
Cym: marchredynen eang, marchredynen lydan
En: Mountain wood fern, Broad buckler fern, Broad wood fern, Broad Buckler-fern, Common Buckler-Fern
Az: Avstriya ayıdöşəyi
Bg: Гребенеста мъжка папрат
Cs: Kapraď rozložená
Da: Bredbladet mangeløv
Nl: Brede stekelvaren
Et: Austria sõnajalg
Fi: Etelänalvejuuri
Fr: Dryoptéris dilaté
De: Breiter Wurmfarn, Breitblättriger Wurmfarn, Breitblättriger Dornfarn
Hu: Széles pajzsika
Ga: Raithneach leathan
Lt: Skėstalapis papartis
No: Geittelg
Nb: Geittelg
Nn: Geittelg
Pl: Nerecznica szerokolistna
Sv: Lundbräken, Etelänalvejuuri, Sydlig lundbräken
Cy: Marchredynen Lydan, Marchredynen Eang
Synonyms
- Filix spinulosa var. dilatata ((Hoffm.) Farw.)
- Nephrodium spinulosum subsp. dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Hook.f.)
- Polystichum dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Schumach.)
- Thelypteris dilatata ((Hoffm.) House)
- Dryopteris austriaca subsp. dilatata ((Hoffm.) Schinz & Thell.)
- Aspidium spinulosum var. dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Link)
- Aspidium spinulosum subsp. dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Čelak.)
- Nephrodium dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Desv.)
- Dryopteris spinulosa subsp. dilatata ((Hoffm.) C.Chr.)
- Polystichum spinulosum subsp. dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Corb.)
- Nephrodium spinulosum var. dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Hook.)
- Aspidium dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Sm.)
- Dryopteris carthusiana subsp. dilatata ((Hoffm.) O.Bolòs, Vigo, Masalles & Ninot)
- Thelypteris spinulosa var. dilatata ((Hoffm.) H.St.John)
- Polypodium spinulosum var. dilatatum ((Hoffm.) Wahlenb.)
- Lastrea dilatata ((Hoffm.) C.Presl)
- Dryopteris spinulosa var. dilatata ((Hoffm.) Underw.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Føroyar (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Argentina South (introduced)
- Falkland Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by offline ad (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by offline ad (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Krzysztof Cyrankowski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Bagmita Naug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Bagmita Naug (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 28, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Léa Mariton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Léa Mariton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2021 by Mariska Eekma (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2022 by Sonia Faure (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/5275103)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30117034-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dryopteris dilatata (Hoffm.) A. Gray)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.5
Ph minimum: 5.0
Light: 3
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Soil nutriments: 5