Common oak fern

A small deciduous Mat forming fern with a slender creeping rhizome, and much-divided, triangular to ovate fronds. USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 - 7. Soil pH: 4.5 - 6.4. Growth Rate: Slow to moderate. Life Span: Long. Texture: Fine. Sun: Partial Shade, Shade. Prefers a neutral to acid, leafy, moist soil, enriched with garden compost, in deep shade. Soil Type: Loamy. Soil Moisture: Moderate. Minimum Root Depth: 12 inches (30cm). Root Type: Long Rhizome. Seasonal Interest: Spring-Fall. The broadly triangular leaves are divided into 3 approximately equal primary divisions, each turned to a heavily horizontal position. Sprawling, it often shows slightly twisted leaves and leaflets. Requires cool, moist, acidic soil. Good ground cover. Drought: Intolerant. Flood: Moderate. Salt: Sensitive. Soil Compaction: Intolerant. Mowing: Intolerant. Fire Damage: Intolerant. Cold Injury: Infrequent. Disease Issues: Minor. Insect/Pest Damage: Minor. Plant Concerns: Oak fern can interfere with the growth of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) seedlings. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a runner spreading indefinitely by rhizomes or stolons [1-2]. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length [1-2]. References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information Temperature Converter Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit: Celsius Fahrenheit: The PFAF Bookshop Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants , Edible Perennials , Edible Trees , Edible Shrubs , Woodland Gardening , and Temperate Food Forest Plants . Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical) . Shop Now

None Known References More on Edible Uses

Sow spores at 15°C (59°F) when ripe or divide in spring