Broad beech fern (Phegopteris hexagonoptera)

Quick Facts

• Type: fern
• Size: 1-2 ft x 2-5 ft
• Sun: Part shade to Full shade
• Water: Medium

Care & Propagation

Slow to settle in, so plant it in humus-rich shade and then leave the soil alone — disturbance is its biggest enemy. Divide the shallow rhizomes to make more.

Wildlife Value

The spreading fronds shelter amphibians, insects, and small mammals, and the creeping rhizomes help hold woodland soil in place.

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🌴 In Florida

At the southern edge of its range, found in rich moist hardwood forests of the Panhandle. It is deciduous and dies back in winter, then returns from its rhizomes.

✨ Fun fact

A fern that goes deciduous — it dies back in winter and returns from rhizomes like nothing happened. At the southern edge of its range in Panhandle hardwood forests, and its biggest enemy is you poking at the soil. Leave it alone.

🌿 Keep exploring

More Florida natives worth meeting:

• Brittle Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum tenerum)
• Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
• Cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)