Pet Safe
moderate Care
American Alpine Lady Fern
Athyrium distentifolium var. americanum
American Alpine Lady Fern is a delicate and graceful wild fern, named for its fronds' similarity to a noble lady's fan. It is an evergreen variety with ovoid leaves measuring up to 4" long. It grows naturally in the mountain ravines of the western United States, but will also thrive in part to full shade at home. This lovely ferngrows to a height of 24" and can spread up to 25". Its new leaves are soft emerald green with silver-gray undersides, turning to deep green as they mature. Low maintenance and hardy, it's a welcome addition to any garden!
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water Needs
high
Water Every
"2-3" days
Sun Needs
partial-shade
Growth
Low
Care Level
Low
Watering Schedule
Frequency
Day 1"2-3" daysDay NaN
💧 Water every "2-3" days
Seasonal Adjustments
Adjust watering frequency based on temperature, humidity, and season. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter.
Pro Tip: Check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil—if it's dry, it's time to water!
Season
Fall
Sep Oct Nov
Winter
Dec Jan Feb
Spring
Mar Apr May
Summer
Jun Jul Aug
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Pruning Time
How to Propagate
Division
Divide root ball in spring, replant sections immediately
Cutting
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Spore Propagation
Propagate via Spore Propagation for best results
Layering Propagation
Bend stem to soil surface, cover lightly, roots form in 4-6 weeks
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Homes with pets
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
- •Infrequent watering
Bloom Seasons
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Enjoys dappled or limited direct sun—about 2–4 hours of morning or late afternoon light and protection during peak midday sun.
Watering
Requires frequent watering to maintain moist soil. Don't let the soil dry out completely.