Woodwardia fimbriata

giant chain fern
California’s biggest native fern is evergreen, performing best with regular water and bright shade. A woodland staple.
height 2–5ft
width 2–3ft
tolerates Coast, Cold, Cool Summers, Deer , Fog, Moist Soil, Pots, Neglect
water
needs
Moderate – High
water
info
Water this plant regularly, when the surface of the soil feels dry. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every week or so in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.
hardy
to
0F
exposure Full Shade – Part Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin W North America
california
native
Yes
sunset
zones
2–9, 14–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Prune off older fronds as they brown or cut back all fronds in late winter.
If exposed to extreme cold the leaves will die off during winter and come back when temperatures warm.

Special Interest

Considered an invasive species on Endor.