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Southern woodfern facts for kids

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Southern woodfern
Southern Wood Fern Dryopteris ludoviciana Leaves 3008px.JPG
Conservation status

Apparently Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Suborder: Polypodiineae
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Genus: Dryopteris
Species:
D. ludoviciana
Binomial name
Dryopteris ludoviciana
(Kunze) Small
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The southern woodfern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) is a type of fern that grows naturally in the southern United States. You can find it from Florida all the way west to Texas, and as far north as Kentucky and North Carolina.

About the Southern Woodfern

This fern is special because it stays green all year round in places with mild winters. It's known for its tall, upright shape and its shiny, dark green leaves, which are called fronds. These fronds also feel a bit leathery.

Where It Grows

The southern woodfern likes places that are moist, but it can also handle drier spots. It grows slowly to moderately, eventually reaching a height of about 30 to 48 inches (that's about 2.5 to 4 feet!).

Growing Conditions

This fern is quite tough! It can grow well in many different climates. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10. This means it can survive the winter temperatures in these areas.

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