Discover the understated charm of Homalosorus pycnocarpon, a woodland fern that brings a touch of serene beauty to shady garden spaces. Commonly known as Tennessee Ostrich Fern, Glade Fern, and the narrow-leaved glade fern, this deciduous species is prized for its elegant, arching fronds and its adaptability to deep shade environments where other plants might struggle to thrive.
The delicate fronds of Homalosorus pycnocarpon emerge in the spring, each leaf unfurling to reveal narrow, finely divided leaflets that create a texture both lush and intricate. This fern’s greenery, vibrant and fresh, adds a soft, naturalistic feel to any landscape, blending perfectly with other shade-loving plants or serving as a verdant ground cover under taller trees.
Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, this fern is particularly suited to naturalized areas, such as woodland gardens, where it can spread gently to form a dense carpet of green. Its preference for cooler, shaded environments also makes it an excellent choice for north-facing gardens or areas beside streams or water features, where it can benefit from the cooler microclimate.
Homalosorus pycnocarpon is not only a delight for the eyes but also a practical choice for low-maintenance gardening. It is largely pest-free and requires little care beyond ensuring adequate moisture and protection from harsh sun. Embrace the quiet elegance of the narrow-leaved glade fern and let it transform your shaded garden spaces into a lush, tranquil retreat.
Homalosorus pycnocarpon offers an erect, feathery plume of vibrant, lush green, divided,
lanceolate fronds that arch gracefully outward into a symmetric
clump. So interesting to watch grow and examine at all maturity levels, Ostrich Fern has a magnificently dramatic effect when used for
naturalizing foliage backdrops, foundations, boundaries, and fresh arrangements.
It grows from an entirely vertical crown but sends out lateral
stolons to form new crowns. This unique trait makes Tennessee Ostrich fern perfect for resisting floodwater destruction (like creek banks) because it can form such dense colonies.
Tennessee Ostrich fern will reward you with a quick-growing, lush thicket if you treat her to a light mulching of leaves around slightly exposed crowns. She does require moist soil, especially in hot, dry climates and prefers loamy,
humus-rich soil in
partial shade with only morning sun. If you do have heavy, clay soil, you will find that Ostrich Fern is also willing to grow there, and will reward you even more handsomely if you amend the soil.
Fertile fronds are produced after the vegetative fronds and persist throughout the following winter; the
spores shed in mid-winter.
Winter
dormant with a
moderate growth rate, under good conditions you can expect Tennessee Ostrich Fern to spread reasonably fast by stout
rhizomes.
People love this fern because it is low-maintenance and easy to grow while offering reliable, rich color and height to
full shade gardens.
Things to Note Sunlight in
zones 8-10 must be minimal or indirect.
After spring, these are trimmed cut back to about 8 inches tall for shipment and will arrive as such.
Interesting Fact Gardener Tips Ostrich ferns will grow quite large, but keep in mind that the larger they are the more moisture they will require.
Tennessee Ostrich ferns will thrive in
deep shade, but anticipate them to be smaller than if they were placed in
partial shade when planning your garden.
If you are considering purchasing this plant in bare root form, please read about bare root plants so you know what to expect. 
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Part sun 
Shade
