Cool shady spots need ferns! Elegant, tropical, and woodsy all at the same time, they are a must for any shade garden. The gracefully arching fronds of wood fern, also known as southern shield fern or Kunth’s maiden fern, are light to medium green and take on a bronze tinge in autumn. The wood fern makes a terrific ground cover in shade and, of course, woodland gardens. It spreads by rhizomes to form colonies but is not particularly aggressive. Use it as understory around a shade tree. Cut back the brown fronds of this deciduous plant before new growth emerges in the spring. Grows to 3’ feet high and 1’ wide. Appreciates regular watering and thrives on average to rich, well-drained soil. While requiring moist soil, it can survive brief dry spells. Provide shade. Hardy to zone 7/0 degrees F.