35 Fern Varieties to Elevate Your Home and Garden

ByWayne Brown
35 Fern Varieties to Elevate Your Home and Garden

Are you looking to freshen up your home or garden with some vibrant greenery? Ferns could be the perfect addition! These versatile plants thrive in shady, damp areas in your garden or in low-light spots indoors. While they may not boast colorful flowers, their large divided leaves, known as fronds, provide texture, color, and interest year-round. With approximately 10,000 species of ferns to choose from within the Polypodiopsida class, there’s a wide range of sizes, shapes, and spreads to suit any space.

Many ferns are cultivated for use in yards and as houseplants, with most being perennial and some evergreen, while others are deciduous. What sets ferns apart from most plants is their unique method of reproduction. Instead of propagating by seed, ferns reproduce via spores found on the undersides of their fronds.

Here are 35 fantastic fern varieties that are worth considering for your home or garden:

Ostrich Fern

The Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) gets its name from its long, textured, arching fronds that resemble the feathery plumes of an ostrich. This low-maintenance fern is disease-free, happy in most soils, and thrives in wet garden areas. It’s best suited for cool summer climates and may not do well in southern regions.

  • Name: Ostrich Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Macho Fern

For a bold statement piece, consider the Macho Fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) with its bright green fronds that can grow up to 4 feet long. Native to Florida, this fern thrives in hot, humid outdoor locations or as a showpiece indoors. Just remember to keep the soil consistently moist.

  • Name: Macho Fern
  • Native Area: Florida, USA
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Up to 4 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Lemon Butter Fern

A dwarf version of the popular Boston fern, the Lemon Butter Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’) is compact, resilient, and beginner-friendly. With a lemony scent, this fern will leave your room smelling wonderfully fresh.

  • Name: Lemon Butter Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Western Sword Fern

The Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) is easy to identify with its long, lush, blade-like fronds. This versatile, evergreen fern is perfect for woodland gardens and shady spots, adding a touch of elegance to any space.

  • Name: Western Sword Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Autumn Fern

Ideal for small spaces, the Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is contained and low-growing, making it perfect for neat areas. The bright coppery-red shades on the new spring fronds add a pop of color before turning green in the summer.

  • Name: Autumn Fern
  • Native Area: Asia
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Lady Fern

The fast-growing Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is elegant, adaptable, and resistant to pests and diseases. Its lacy fronds make it a popular choice for gardens seeking a classic fern look.

  • Name: Lady Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Japanese Painted Fern

Stand out from the crowd with the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) and its dramatic silvery fronds. This pickier fern species thrives in shady spots with consistent moisture and mild winters.

  • Name: Japanese Painted Fern
  • Native Area: Asia
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Boston Fern

A classic choice, the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a slow-growing houseplant ideal for low-light areas like bathrooms. Its lush tropical vibe adds a touch of green to any space, though it can be finicky about light and humidity levels.

  • Name: Boston Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Asparagus Fern

With its bushy, dense foliage, the Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) is a versatile houseplant suitable for partial shade. This faux-fern is toxic to animals, so keep it away from curious pets.

  • Name: Asparagus Fern
  • Native Area: Africa
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Foxtail Fern

The Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is another imposter fern, boasting lush, feathery fronds perfect for outdoor growth. With little white flowers turning into red berries, this fern adds a touch of color to any garden.

  • Name: Foxtail Fern
  • Native Area: Africa
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Christmas Fern

For winter interest, consider the evergreen Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) with glossy green fronds that shine year-round. While the fronds lose their arching habit in cold weather, they still add a touch of green to your space.

  • Name: Christmas Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Ribbon Fern

The Ribbon Fern (Pteris cretica) stands out with its striking variegated leaves featuring a white stripe down the center. This fern can handle more sunlight than some varieties, making it a popular choice for partially shaded garden designs.

  • Name: Ribbon Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Partial shade

Australian Tree Fern

Bring a touch of the exotic with the Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi), best suited for warm, humid southern regions. This striking fern can grow quite tall and is perfect for larger, warmer spaces like conservatories.

  • Name: Australian Tree Fern
  • Native Area: Australia
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Tall
  • Sun Exposure: Partial shade

Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum) boasts dainty leaves and is an easy-to-maintain houseplant. Suitable for shady, warm rock gardens or walls, this slow-growing fern adds a touch of elegance to any space.

  • Name: Maidenhair Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Bird’s Nest Fern

Ideal for bathrooms, the Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) is a humidity-loving plant that can thrive without soil. This unique species features spoon-shaped fronds that slowly grow in an erect habit.

  • Name: Bird’s Nest Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Rabbit’s Foot Fern

The Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) is a creeping evergreen with broad green fronds that look better as they mature. Ideal for hanging baskets or warmer outdoor climates, this fern thrives on humidity.

  • Name: Rabbit’s Foot Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Staghorn Fern

The Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is an epiphytic species that adds a unique touch to any display. While it can be a bit trickier to grow, this slow-growing fern is worth the effort for its distinctive appearance.

  • Name: Staghorn Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Dixie Wood Fern

The Dixie Wood Fern (Dryopteris x australis) is a naturally occurring hybrid with an upright form and large, rich green fronds. This award-winning fern thrives in shady woodland gardens but can also tolerate some sun exposure, making it a versatile addition to any space.

  • Name: Dixie Wood Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Varies

Crocodile Fern

Featuring leaves that resemble leathery skin, the Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium) adds a unique touch to your plant collection. With a preference for tropical humidity levels, this slow-growing fern thrives in warm, moist environments.

  • Name: Crocodile Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Kimberley Queen Fern

Popular for its graceful upright fronds, the Kimberley Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) is easier to care for and less messy than other fern varieties. With dense sword-shaped leaves, this tropical fern adds a touch of elegance to any space.

  • Name: Kimberley Queen Fern
  • Native Area: Australia
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Cinnamon Fern

The Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) gets its name from the thin, brown, spore-bearing fronds that grow upright from the center of the plant. With large lance-shaped fronds, this fern adds a pop of color to any wet garden spot.

  • Name: Cinnamon Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Sensitive Fern

The Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a hardy deciduous plant perfect for boggy woodland areas with poor drainage. With apple green fronds that add color to any space, this fern is a lovely addition to gardens near ponds or streams.

  • Name: Sensitive Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Kangaroo Paw Fern

For unique fronds, consider the low-growing Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium). Fast-growing and versatile, this fern features thick, shiny leaves that are sure to catch the eye.

  • Name: Kangaroo Paw Fern
  • Native Area: Australia
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Button Fern

The Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is a cute, compact evergreen species with small button-shaped leaves. With a deep green color and compact growth habit, this fern is perfect for small garden spaces, patios, or windowsills.

  • Name: Button Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Varies

Japanese Holly Fern

The Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is a low-growing, scaly fern perfect for shady spots. Remaining evergreen in mild winter regions, this fern provides year-round color to any landscape.

  • Name: Japanese Holly Fern
  • Native Area: Asia
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Blue Star Fern

A tropical epiphyte, the Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum) features attractive blue-gray fronds and can handle drier conditions and more light than many fern species. This popular houseplant adds a unique touch to any room.

  • Name: Blue Star Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Varies

Hay-Scented Fern

Enjoy the sweet, fresh-cut hay aroma of the Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctiloba). With lacy arching fronds that turn from green to yellow in the fall, this fast-growing ground cover is perfect for woodland gardens.

  • Name: Hay-Scented Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Japanese Tassel Fern

The Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) boasts erect fronds that grow in a distinctive shuttlecock form. Perfect for adding winter interest to your landscape, this fern prefers drier conditions and well-drained soil.

  • Name: Japanese Tassel Fern
  • Native Area: Asia
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Male Fern

The Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a large, deciduous species with elegant green fronds that turn reddish-brown in the fall. Low-maintenance and perfect for areas with minimal attention, this fern thrives in consistently moist soil and partial shade.

  • Name: Male Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Royal Fern

The Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) is a tall, deciduous species with broad fronds that turn yellow to brown in the fall. Perfect for full sun in cooler summer regions, this fern thrives with consistent moisture.

  • Name: Royal Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Sun, Partial shade

Southern Shield Fern

Add textured interest to your shady yard with the Southern Shield Fern (Thelypteris kunthii). This easy-to-grow species prefers moist conditions but can tolerate drought better than many other fern varieties.

  • Name: Southern Shield Fern
  • Native Area: North America
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Hart’s Tongue Fern

With straight, undivided fronds that look like tongues, the Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) is a unique addition to any garden. Low-maintenance and pest-free, this award-winning fern adds a touch of greenery to any space.

  • Name: Hart’s Tongue Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Heart Fern

Compact and glossy, the Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia) features heart-shaped foliage perfect for small shelves or terrariums. Adding a touch of greenery to any space, this fern is a standout houseplant.

  • Name: Heart Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Water Clover Fern

For a fast-growing plant, consider the Water Clover Fern (Marsilea mutica) as a cover for your pond. Resembling a four-leaf clover, this aquatic fern species loves wet feet and can quickly fill in spaces.

  • Name: Water Clover Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Shade

Licorice Fern

Low-growing and slow-growing, the Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) adds a unique touch to ground covers in woodland gardens. While drought-tolerant, this evergreen fern thrives in humid environments.

  • Name: Licorice Fern
  • Native Area: Varies
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies
  • Height: Varies
  • Sun Exposure: Varies

For more information on ferns and other houseplants, explore resources such as the ASPCA and Missouri Poison Center to learn about care tips and potential concerns.

With such a wide variety of ferns to choose from, you’re sure to find a perfect match for your home or garden. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant enthusiast, ferns offer a wide range of options to add greenery, texture, and interest to any space.Consider adding one or more of these fern varieties to your collection and watch as your home or garden thrives with lush, vibrant foliage.

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