Dryopteris remota

Meet Dryopteris × remota, commonly known as the Remote Wood Fern or Scaly Buckler Fern—a naturally occurring cross between the rugged D. affinis and the delicate D. expansa . This fern brings together the best of both parents: fragrant, golden‑scaled stalks from affinis, and finely textured, lush fronds from expansa. In the hands of nature, this hybrid has unfolded into one of the most garden-worthy ferns—vibrant yet understated, with a quiet resilience that earned it high praise from fern guru Dr. John Mickel: “one of my favorite ferns for the garden”.

Standing a robust 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, these arching fronds rise from shaggy, gold-speckled stems to form neat, semi-evergreen clumps that grace the shade garden from early spring to frost. Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8, D. × remota adapts beautifully to light to full shade, performs well in average to rich, moist soils, and tolerates both summer drought and winter cold—all while remaining impressively low‑maintenance and deer-resistant.

Highlights

• Hybrid Prestige: Naturally occurring cross of D. affinis × D. expansa

• Respected by Experts: “One of my favorite ferns for the garden,” says Dr. John Mickel

• Size & Form: Arching, lanceolate fronds reach 2–3 ft tall and wide, forming graceful, vase-like clumps

• Foliage: Fine-textured, light-green fronds on shaggy, gold-scaled stems; semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on zone

• Hardiness: Thrives in USDA Zones 4–8, handling sun, shade, moisture variations, drought, and snow

• Culture & Care: Grows easily in part to full shade; prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; low maintenance and deer-resistant

Dryopteris × remota is more than a fern—it’s a testament to hybrid vigor, silent elegance, and woodland adaptability. Let it stand in your shaded border or woodland retreat, and watch as its fronds whisper of wild crossings and cultivated beauty.