35 Types of Fern to Freshen Up Your Home or Garden

Looking for a plant for a shady, damp spot in your garden? Ferns are your best friend in this situation as they grow where other plants often struggle. They might not offer up any flowers, but their fronds (large divided leaves) add texture, color, and interest year-round.

There are around 10,000 species of fern from within the Polypodiopsida class with a great variation in size, spread, and shape. Many of them are cultivated for use in yards and as houseplants. Most are perennial, with some evergreen and others deciduous. Unlike most plants, they don't propagate by seed. Instead, they reproduce via small dots on the underside of the fronds called spores.

Low-maintenance if they get the conditions they need, keeping ferns alive can be tricky if you don't get it right. While some can handle bright sun and dry soils, most thrive in shady areas where they get consistent moisture. That's why they're favorite plants for steamy, low-light bathrooms and woodland gardens.

Here are 35 fantastic ferns worthy of your consideration.

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Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia Struthiopteris)

The Spruce / K. Dave

Deciduous ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) get their name because their long, textured, arching fronds resemble the feathery plumes of this big bird. They're low maintenance, disease-free, happy in most soils, and perfect for growing in wet gardens and areas prone to erosion. Best suited to cool summer climates, this isn't a fern for southern regions.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
- Height: 4 to 6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Macho Fern (Nephrolepis Biserrata)

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

If you're looking for a delicate fern, don't opt for the macho fern (Nephrolepis biserrata). It lives up to its name, with bright green fronds that can grow up to 4 feet long. Native to Florida, this fern makes a bold statement in hot, humid outdoor locations or as a showpiece indoors. Just remember to keep their soil consistently moist.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: 3 to 8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Lemon Butter Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia 'Duffii')

The Spruce / Cori Sears

A dwarf version of the popular Boston fern, the lemon butter fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii') is compact and resilient. It's a good fern for beginner houseplant owners if you can get the conditions right. And with the lemony scent of the fronds, it will leave your room smelling wonderfully fresh.
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 10
- Height: Up to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Western Sword Fern (Polystichum Munitum)

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

The delicate but distinguished western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) is easy to identify because of its long, lush, blade-like, bright fronds. A perfect fit in woodland gardens, this versatile, robust, evergreen fern suits a wide range of shady spots. The long-lasting fronds look fantastic in a cut flower display.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
- Height: Up to 4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Autumn Fern Dryopteris Erythrosora)

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Some ferns can get a little rangy when given a chance, but the autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is pretty contained, making it ideal for small, neat spaces. Because it's low-growing, gardeners sometimes use it as a ground cover in shady spots. And you can appreciate the eye-catching bright coppery-red shades on the new spring fronds before they turn green in the summer.
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
- Height: Up to 24 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full shade
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Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina)

The Spruce / K. Dave

The elegant, lacy fronds of the deciduous lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) conjure up precisely the image you expect when you think of this kind of plant. It's fast-growing, adaptable, hardy and resistant to pests and diseases. It's no wonder this is a popular, award-winning fern.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 6
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium Niponicum)

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

The Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) stands out from the crowd because of its dramatic silvery fronds. With a short, spreading habit, it's a great fit as foreground plants in a shady spot. Be aware it's a bit pickier than some fellow ferns, needing consistent moisture and mild winters to thrive.
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
- Height: Up to 18 inches
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)

The Spruce / Kara Riley

If there's one fern species you have heard of, it's likely to be the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). It's a classic, slow-growing houseplant, ideal for low-light bathrooms. This lush trendy plant is a perfect choice if you're looking to add a tropical vibe to your space. Just be aware it can be finicky about light and humidity levels.
- Native Area: Americas, Africas
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Asparagus Fern (Asparagus Aethiopicus)

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

The asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) has made it onto our list, but it's a bit of a cheat, as it isn't a true fern species. it's a versatile houseplant, and the bushy, dense, lace-like foliage is ideal for trailing from baskets. Like true ferns, it likes a partial shade position.
- Native Area: South Africa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Foxtail Fern (Asparagus Densiflorus)

The Spruce / Cielito Vivas

The foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is another fern faker. But, unlike the asparagus fern, this lush, feathery perennial evergreen herb is more commonly grown outdoors. It also produces little white flowers that turn into striking red berries in the fall. Just don't let your pet eat the berries, as they're mildly toxic when eaten.
- Native Area (Continent): Africa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Christmas Fern (Polystichum Acrostichoides)

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It's not just during the holidays that the fronds of the evergreen Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) shine a glossy green. While they're great for adding winter interest, they lose their arching habit in the cold months, lying flat on the ground.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Ribbon Fern (Pteris Cretica)

The Spruce / Kara Riley

The striking variegation of the ribbon fern (Pteris cretica) is the unique feature of this plant. The leaves are typically light green with a white stripe down the long center. They can handle more sunlight than some ferns and are popular additions to partial shade garden designs. Ribbon ferns also make good houseplants if you can give them the moisture and humidity they thrive in.
- Native Area: Europe, Asia, Africa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 12
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
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Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea Cooperi)

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

Best suited to warm, humid southern regions, the tall Australian tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) is a wonderfully striking specimen plant that brings a touch of the exotic to your space. It's generally too big to be grown indoors, unless you have a large, warm conservatory that doesn't get too much direct sunlight.
- Native Area: Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11
- Height: Up to 25 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Raddianum)

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

The maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) sports dinkier leaves than most fern species. It's an easy-to-get-hold-of, low-maintenance houseplant, and it grows well in shady, warm rock gardens or the cracks of stone walls. They're pretty slow growing, though, so be patient with them.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus)

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) is a humidity-loving epiphytic species. This means you don't just have to grow it in pots as it gets nutrients and moisture from the air around it. They're ideal bathroom plants, where you can watch the spoon-shaped fronds slowly grow in an erect habit.
- Native Area: Asia, Australia, Africa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 11 to 12
- Height: Up to 5 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)

The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak

The epiphytic rabbit's foot fern (Davallia fejeensis) is a creeping evergreen that looks great growing in hanging baskets inside or in warmer climes outside. The broad green fronds look better the more they mature, providing they get plenty of humidity.
- Native Area: Oceania
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Staghorn fern (Platycerium Bifurcatum)

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

The slow-growing epiphytic Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) isn't as easy to grow as many fern species, but the effort pays off with a unique-looking specimen. Often hung on wooden wall displays, just make sure you regularly remove these moisture-loving plants for watering.
- Native Area: Asia, Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 12
- Height: 3 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Dixie Wood Fern (Dryopteris x Australis)

The Spruce / K. Dave

The unique Dixie wood fern (Dryopteris x australis) is a naturally occurring hybrid with a structural, upright form and large, rich green fronds. This award winner stands out in any shady woodland garden, but it's unique in that it can also grow in sunny spots.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
- Height: Up to 4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun and partial to full shade
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Crocodile Fern (Microsorum Musifolium)

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Getting their name because their leaves resemble leathery skin, crocodile ferns (Microsorum musifolium) make a unique addition to your houseplant collection. Slow growing, they'll be happy if you can provide them with the tropical humidity levels they love.
- Native Area: Southeast Asia and Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
- Height: Up to 5 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Kimberley Queen Fern (Nephrolepis Obliterata)

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

The graceful, tropical Kimberley queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) is popular for good reason. The large, upright fronds have dense sword-shaped leaves, and it's easier to care for and less messy (it rarely sheds its leaflets) than the equally popular Boston fern. With minimal attention, this fern will thrive indoors and out.
- Native Area: Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda Cinnamomea)

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The cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) gets its common name from the thin, brown, spore-bearing fronds that grow upright from the center of the plant. The main large fresh green lance-shaped fronds look great in any wet spot in your garden.
- Native Area: Americas, Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 10
- Height: Up to 5 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis)

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The sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a hardy deciduous plant but doesn't appreciate frosty conditions. It's perfect for growing in boggy woodland parts of your garden that don't have good drainage or alongside ponds or streams. The apple green fronds add a lovely splash of color.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
- Height: Up to 4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum Diversifolium)

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If you're not looking for uniformity in your fronds, why not try the low-growing Kangaroo paw fern (Microsorum diversifolium)? Fast-growing, forgiving, and versatile, the green, thick, and shiny leaves can't fail to draw attention.
- Native Area: Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: Up to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Button Fern (Pellaea Rotundifolia)

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The button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is a cute little evergreen with a unique appearance. The small button-shaped leaves are deep green, and its compact growth habit makes it ideal for small gardens, patios, or spaces on windowsills.
- Native Area: Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: Up to 1 foot
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
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Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium Falcatum)

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Hardy and handsome, the low-growing, scaly Japanese holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) makes a perfect ground cover in shady spots. It remains evergreen in regions that experience mild winters, providing year-round color.
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium Aureum)

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A tropical epiphyte, the blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) has irregular attractive blue-gray fronds. It's a popular houseplant that can handle drier conditions and more light than many fern species, so you don't have to relegate it to a steamy bathroom.
- Native Area: South America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia Punctiloba)

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Crush the fronds of hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctiloba) between your fingers, and you'll be surrounded by the sweet aroma of fresh-cut hay from a field. This is an attractive fern, too, with lacy arching fronds that turn from green to yellow in the fall. It's an ideal fast-growing ground cover for woodland gardens.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum Polyblepharum)

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The Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) has erect evergreen fronds that grow in a distinctive shuttlecock form. Even after frost, this fern keeps good shape, making it ideal for adding winter interest to your landscape. Unlike many ferns, this species isn't a fan of wet conditions.
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 8
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Male Fern (Dryopteris Filix-Mas)

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Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a common, large, deciduous species with elegant green fronds that turn reddish-brown in the fall. One of the most low-maintenance of the cultivated ferns, it's perfect for growing in areas where it won't get much attention. It just needs to be kept out of full sun and in consistently moist soil.
- Native Area: Europe, North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
- Height: Up to 4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis)

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The royal fern (Osmunda regalis) is a tall, deciduous species with broad fronds that turn yellow to brown in the fall. It can grow in full sun in regions that experience cool summer temperatures, providing it receives consistent moisture.
- Native Area: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 10
- Height: Up to 6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
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Southern Shield Fern (Thelypteris Kunthii)

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The large sea green fronds of the southern shield fern (Thelypteris kunthii) are perfect for adding textured interest to your shady yard year-round. Although they prefer consistently moist conditions, these easy-to-grow plants are more drought tolerant than many fern species.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10
- Height: Up to 4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium Scolopendrium)

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Looking for uniform fronds that humorously look a bit like a tongue? Look no further than the Hart's tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium). The fronds are straight, undivided, and arching. The dense, linear growth and bright green tone give this fern a unique appearance. Low-maintenance and pest-free, it's no wonder this is an award winner.
- Native Area: Europe, North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Heart Fern (Hemionitis Arifolia)

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This sweet little epiphytic species is the perfect houseplant for compact shelves or as a terrarium addition. And the glossy green heart-shaped foliage makes the Heart fern (Hemionitis arifolia) especially noteworthy.
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
- Height: Up to 8 inches
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Water Clover Fern (Marsilea mutica)

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If you're looking for a fast-growing plant to cover your cottage pond, the water clover fern (Marsilea mutica) is a great choice. Resembling a four-leaf clover, this wet feet loving aquatic fern species is hardy and sweet, but it can get out of control quickly, given the opportunity.
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 11
- Height: Up to 4 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
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Licorice Fern (Polypodium Glycyrrhiza)

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Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a low and slow-growing epiphytic species, perfect for growing as a ground cover or across rocks or logs in a woodland garden. The evergreen species can handle drought better than most fern species, although it thrives in humid environments.
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
- Height: Up to 1 foot
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade

With such a wide range of ferns to choose from, why wouldn't you consider adding them to your shade garden or houseplant collection? Apart from a few exceptions, you just need to keep them out of bright light and consistently moist to enjoy their fantastic fronds.

Check out these shade-loving flowers if you want more options for your shady yard.

Tips for Growing Fern Plants

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