Ferns Found in Texas

Lady Fern

• Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is a native Texas plant that has a strong presence even though it has a delicate appearance. It grows vertically, reaching 2 to 3 feet in height. A horticulturist for East Texas Gardening reports this fern is said to have an aggressive or invasive tendency, though this is not always the case.

Sensitive Fern

• The Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) gets its name from its sensitivity to the cold since it withers with the first frost. It grows naturally along creeks and ditches in east Texas, and prefers slightly acidic soil. This fern is sensitive to drought and requires consistently moist soil to thrive, according to About Ferns.

Southern Maidenhair Fern

• The Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) is commonly found on the limestone cliffs and rocks of central Texas. Being a tough variety, it grows well in rock regions and in many different climates, though it is most often found in lime-rich, moist areas. Though it is tough, it has a delicate appearance, growing in thin branches with drooping, green leaves.

Dixie Wood Fern

• The Dixie Wood Fern (Dryopteris x australis) is native to parts of southern United States and is a natural hybrid of two local varieties. It grows up to 5 feet in height and has a narrow, lance-shaped leaf. It makes an excellent focal point in a garden according to the Dallas News.

Southern Wood Fern

• Southern Wood Fern (Thelypteris kunthii) has lacy, light green fronds that grow vertically, similar to another native, the lady Fern. It grows to about 1 foot tall and thrives in sunlight, which can be unusual for a fern, but the soil needs to remain moist to grow well. It will not survive in deep shade, becoming weak and unattractive.