Shield Fern, Florida

Dryopteris ludoviciana

$22.00 Sold out

| Hardiness Zones 6-10

Dryopteris ludoviciana, known fondly as the Florida Shield Fern, is a bold and glossy evergreen fern native to the deep, shaded wetlands of the American South—from East Texas to Virginia. With upright, leathery fronds that gleam like polished bay leaves, it brings year-round structure and grace to shaded gardens, woodland borders, and boggy beds. First brought to prominence through a Southern Living Magazine feature—likely from Woodlanders' own collection—this fern carries a story as enduring as the Southern landscapes it inhabits. Its slow-growing, clumping habit makes it ideal for gardeners who seek elegance without fuss.

A true native of swampy hammocks and rich bottomlands, Dryopteris ludoviciana thrives in shade to part shade, in moist, humus-rich soil. Though evergreen in warmer zones (USDA 8–10), it can survive into Zone 6, holding its fronds through winter with a little protection. Come spring, simply remove old growth to make way for a new flush of green. It lends itself beautifully to naturalistic plantings, especially near water features, tree canopies, or shaded paths where few others flourish.


Highlights

  • US Native: Found from Texas to Virginia, thriving in moist woodland settings

  • Evergreen: Holds glossy fronds year-round in Zones 8–10

  • Height & Spread: Grows 2–4 ft tall and wide; slow clumping habit

  • Low Maintenance: Remove old fronds in early spring for clean new growth

  • Ideal Conditions: Shade to part shade, moist to average soil, not full sun

  • Landscape Use: Excellent for woodland gardens, pond edges, and understory beds

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Grown for Success
Propagated at Woodlanders

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Expertly packed & shipped in 2-4 biz days

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 6 - 10
  • Sun: Part Shade and Full Shade
  • Soil: Moist and Rich
  • Height at Maturity: 24 - 48 Inches
  • Spread at Maturity: 18 - 24 Inches
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Evergreen

Flower/Foliage

The foliage of Dryopteris ludoviciana is a study in quiet strength and perennial grace. Its fronds rise tall and arching, dark green and leathery, like polished shields standing sentinel in the hush of a Southern woodland. Each frond may stretch to three or four feet in length, composed of finely cut pinnae arranged with such symmetry they seem laid by the hand of a patient craftsman. The surface is glossy—glistening after a rain or under morning dew—and holds a deep, evergreen color even through the bleaker months.

Unlike the soft, feathery touch of northern brackens, this fern bears a firmness in leaf and form that reflects its native terrain—bottomland forests, blackwater swamps, and shaded ravines where resilience is a virtue. Its fronds emerge upright in a graceful vase shape, lending architecture to the understory, and moving only slightly in the breeze, as though respecting the stillness of its surroundings. In clump or colony, the foliage gives the impression of permanence and place, whispering of ancient groves and the rich, unmapped corners of Southern woods where such beauty waits to be noticed.

Care Info

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.