
Shield Fern, Florida
Dryopteris ludoviciana
| 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
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US Native: Found from Texas to Virginia, thriving in moist woodland settings
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Evergreen: Holds glossy fronds year-round in Zones 8–10
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Height & Spread: Grows 2–4 ft tall and wide; slow clumping habit
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Low Maintenance: Remove old fronds in early spring for clean new growth
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Ideal Conditions: Shade to part shade, moist to average soil, not full sun
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Landscape Use: Excellent for woodland gardens, pond edges, and understory beds
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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
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.
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.