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Fern, River
Southern Wood Fern
Dryopteris normalis
River Fern (Dryopteris normalis, also commonly listed as Thelypteris kunthii) is a Texas native fern naturally found along streams, rivers, and moist woodland edges throughout much of East and Central Texas. It is a deciduous fern that emerges fresh each spring, forming soft, arching fronds that give it a lush, natural appearance. In the wild it thrives in floodplains and low areas, making it well adapted to seasonal moisture fluctuations common in Texas.
In the landscape, River Fern is best used in shaded to partially shaded areas with consistently moist soil, though it can tolerate short dry periods once established. It performs well in clay soils, low spots, rain gardens, and along ponds or drainage swales where many ornamentals struggle. This fern is especially useful for naturalized plantings, woodland gardens, and erosion control along waterways. Mature plants typically reach 2–3 feet tall and wide, and spacing plants 24–30 inches apart allows them to fill in naturally without crowding. If in fertile moist soils, rhizomes will grow outwards, slowly allowing the fern to spread out.
River Fern is non-toxic and deer tend to avoid it, making it a reliable option for both residential and commercial landscapes. While it prefers acidic to neutral soils, it adapts well to the slightly alkaline soils found in much of Texas if adequate moisture is available. Fronds die back in winter, but the plant reliably returns in spring with renewed vigor, especially when organic matter is present in the soil.
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Shade tolerant |
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Spreads through rhizomes |
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Native Texas fern |
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Height:24-36 Inches
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Spread:24-36 Inches
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Spacing:24-30 in
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USDA Hardiness Zone 8a
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| FRN-RIV-01 |
#001 FERN, RIVER |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Part Shade to Full Shade |
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Habit
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Semi Evergreen |
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Perennial |
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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