Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
[dry-OP-ter-iss er-ith-roe-SOR-ah]

Semi-Evergreen Perennial Upright, Arching Clump in the Dryopteridaceae Family
Autumn Fern unfurls coppery-red new growth each spring that matures to glossy deep green, with red-tinted new flushes continuing on and off through the season.

Dryopteris erythrosora, commonly known as the autumn fern or Japanese shield fern, is a gorgeous, evergreen perennial that adds year-round interest to shaded garden spaces.

Originating from East Asia, this fern boasts lush, leathery fronds that emerge in spring with a striking, copper-red hue. As the foliage matures, it transitions to a deep, glossy green, creating a rich tapestry of color. In autumn, the fronds often take on vibrant red, orange, or purple tones, providing a stunning seasonal display.

Dryopteris erythrosora forms a neat, arching clump, typically reaching 18-24 inches in height and width. The elegant, lance-shaped fronds are divided into numerous, finely-cut pinnae, lending the plant a delicate, lacy appearance that contrasts beautifully with its bold coloration.

This adaptable fern thrives in partial to full shade and prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil. Once established, it demonstrates excellent drought tolerance, making it a resilient choice for woodland gardens, shady borders, and foundation plantings. Dryopteris erythrosora is also deer-resistant, an added benefit for gardeners dealing with wildlife pressure.

In addition to its ornamental appeal, the autumn fern serves as a valuable host plant for the caterpillars of several moth species, supporting biodiversity in the landscape. Its evergreen habit provides year-round structure and texture, while its vibrant seasonal changes captivate the eye throughout the gardening season.

With its unique foliage colors, graceful form, and adaptability to shade, Dryopteris erythrosora is an exceptional choice for creating captivating, low-maintenance plant compositions in the garden.

Pros

  • Coppery-red new growth, repeating through the season
  • Semi-evergreen structure
  • Deer- and rabbit-resistant
  • Low-maintenance once established

Cons

  • Can self-sow and naturalize more than expected in mild climates
  • Slow to reach full size
  • Color is best with some bright, indirect light
Why Like Not native to North America, but one of the most widely grown East Asian ornamental ferns — its repeated flushes of coppery-red new growth and bright red spore covers (the source of the species name “erythro-,” meaning red) have made it a shade-garden favorite.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 18 - 24 inches tall. 18 - 36 inches wide.
Growth Rate Slow
Sun Exposure Full Shade - Partial Shade
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 5a - 9b (Usually hardy to -20° F)
Tags Container, Deer Resistant, Dry Shade Tolerant, Fall Color, For a Shady Spot, Full Shade, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Medium, Partial Shade, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Wet Site Tolerant
Bloom Period Non-flowering
Flower Color Non-Flowering
 

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Pricing and Availability History

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Past Availability
2025 : 04/13 - 09/20
2024 : 05/01 - 08/24
2023 : 05/04 - 09/30


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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

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