Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
#MGNV Tried and True #NativePlant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Found in woodlands and on rocky slopes and ledges, evergreen Marginal Wood Fern provides year round interest. It is monomorphic so its fronds (leaves) are the same size and shape, whether or not the leaf underside bears sori, the spore-producing receptacles.
Lower-growing herbaceous plants, especially ground covers such as ferns and grasses, can provide seasonal cover and nesting materials for wildlife.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Found in woodlands and on rocky slopes and ledges, evergreen Marginal Wood Fern provides year round interest. It is monomorphic so its fronds are virtually the same size and shape, whether or not their undersides bear sori, the spore-producing receptacles. Sori placement along the pinnule margins give rise to the species epithet and common name.
Long-blooming annuals have traditionally been preferred for balcony gardens, but native perennials work just as well for those who are able to devote more time and attention to the maintenance of a garden. Perennials have an advantage over annuals in that they will last from year to year. Choosing plants with attractive foliage is essential, since flowering periods for natives are not as lengthy as those for non-native summer annuals.
