Dryopteris dilatata - Broad Buckler Fern

Dryopteris dilatata, also known as the broad buckler-fern or dilated polypody, is a fern of cool understory that is mainly characterized by the two-tone brown and black scales present on the petiole and the large central vein that divides its finely cut bright green fronds. It forms an elegant, medium-sized clump with an upright habit, deciduous to semi-evergreen in winter depending on the climate. This very hardy montane species is easy to cultivate in shade or partial shade, in cool and fertile soil, not too chalky.

Dryopteris dilatata is a terrestrial fern of the Dryopteridaceae family native to a wide area, covering all of Europe, Turkey, Cyprus, the Caucasus, northern Asia, North America, and Greenland. In nature, this species grows in the Far North and in the mountains, between rocks and preferably in the sun. In lowland areas, it takes refuge in woods or at the edge of forests on fertile soils that guarantee the coolness it needs. This fern has an upright clump habit composed of fronds emerging from the base. Depending on the growing conditions, its size will reach 50cm to over 1 metre (3 feet) in height, with a spread of 50 to 80cm (20 to 32in). Its deciduous fronds, which are wide for the genus, are tripinnate and can reach up to 1.50m (5ft) in length under ideal conditions. The rachis and petiole of the fronds are covered with thick brown and black scales.

Among the ferns of the temperate zones of the world, the male fern is certainly the most widespread and, it must be said, one of the easiest to cultivate. It comes in very diverse forms, sometimes deciduous, sometimes evergreen, but always interesting. Dryopteris dilatata creates a beautiful effect when planted at the edge of the understorey, in mass, in groups of 3 to 10 individuals. It also thrives between the stones of a cool and humid rockery, or alone along a north or east-facing wall, close to the house. This fern also grows very well in a large pot, planted in a highly nutritious substrate. It can be paired with hostas, Astilbes, bearded irises, Solomon's seals, and many other shade-loving perennials.