About Dryopteris ludoviciana (Kunze) Small
Dryopteris ludoviciana, commonly known as the southern woodfern, is a fern species native to the southern United States. Its native range extends west from Florida to Texas, and north as far as Kentucky and North Carolina. This species stays evergreen in mild climates. It has a tall, upright growth habit, and produces dark green fronds that are shiny and leathery in texture. While it can tolerate dry growing conditions, it grows best in moist areas. Its growth rate is slow to moderate, and mature plants reach a height between 30 and 48 inches. D. ludoviciana is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10.
