Dryopteris cycadina or D. atrata ~ Shaggy Shield Fern, Black Wood Fern year-round-interest Pinnacles of fragrant bright yellow

Pinnacles of fragrant bright yellow flowers bloom in spring and are followed by highly ornamental powdery blue fruit clusters

or as a tea to relax respiratory spasms or asthma

while spent stems will stay erect and attract birds

Christmas Fern

Image: Kor

Dryopteris cycadina or D. atrata ~ Shaggy Shield Fern, Black Wood Fern year-round-interest Pinnacles of fragrant bright yellowShaggy Shield Fern is a semi evergreen fern that has an upright vase habit. Shaggy Shield Fern has stiff leathery fronds with black hair like scales covering the rachis. Thrives in rich, moist, acidic soils with some shade. Tolerates drought once established. Type: Fern Origins: North India, China, Taiwan and Japan Height: 1. 5' 3 Spread: 1. 5 3 Spacing: 2 USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 8 Culture: Part Sun, Full Shade Bloom Color: N A Season of Interest: Year