35 Types of Fern to Freshen Up Your Home or Garden

All types of ferns are ideal for shady, damp spots in a garden or low-light areas indoors. Though ferns don't offer flowers, their fronds (large divided leaves) add texture, color, and interest year-round.

There are around 10,000 species of fern from within the Polypodiopsida class with a great variation in size, spread, and shape. Many of them are cultivated for use in yards and as houseplants. Most are perennial, with some evergreen and others deciduous. Unlike most plants, they don't propagate by seed. Instead, they reproduce via small dots on the underside of the fronds called spores.

Here are 35 fantastic ferns worthy of your consideration.

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Ostrich Fern

The Spruce / K. Dave

Deciduous ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) get their name because their long, textured, arching fronds resemble the feathery plumes of this big bird. They're low maintenance, disease-free, happy in most soils, and perfect for growing in wet gardens and areas prone to erosion. Best suited to cool summer climates, this isn't a fern for southern regions.
- Name: Ostrich fern (Matteuccia Struthiopteris)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
- Height: 4-6 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Macho Fern

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

If you're looking for a delicate fern, don't opt for the macho fern (Nephrolepis biserrata). It lives up to its name, with bright green fronds that can grow up to 4 feet long. Native to Florida, this fern makes a bold statement in hot, humid outdoor locations or as a showpiece indoors. Just remember to keep their soil consistently moist.
- Name: Macho fern (Nephrolepis Biserrata)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Height: 3-8 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Lemon Butter Fern

The Spruce / Cori Sears

A dwarf version of the popular Boston fern, the lemon butter fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii') is compact and resilient. It's a good fern for beginner houseplant owners if you can get the conditions right. And with the lemony scent of the fronds, it will leave your room smelling wonderfully fresh.
- Name: Lemon butter fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia 'Duffii')
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Height: Up to 12 in.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Western Sword Fern

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

The delicate but distinguished western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) is easy to identify because of its long, lush, blade-like, bright fronds. A perfect fit in woodland gardens, this versatile, robust, evergreen fern suits a wide range of shady spots. The long-lasting fronds look fantastic in a cut flower display.
- Name: Western sword fern (Polystichum Munitum)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Height: Up to 4 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Autumn Fern

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Some ferns can get a little rangy when given a chance, but the autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is pretty contained, making it ideal for small, neat spaces. Because it's low-growing, gardeners sometimes use it as a ground cover in shady spots. And you can appreciate the eye-catching bright coppery-red shades on the new spring fronds before they turn green in the summer.
- Name: Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Height: Up to 24 in.
- Sun Exposure: Full shade
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Lady Fern

The Spruce / K. Dave

The elegant, lacy fronds of the deciduous lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) conjure up precisely the image you expect when you think of this kind of plant. It's fast-growing, adaptable, hardy, and resistant to pests and diseases. It's no wonder this is a popular, award-winning fern.
- Name: Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-6
- Height: Up to 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Japanese Painted Fern

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

The Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) stands out from the crowd because of its dramatic silvery fronds. With a short, spreading habit, it's a great fit as foreground plants in a shady spot. Be aware it's a bit pickier than some fellow ferns, needing consistent moisture and mild winters to thrive.
- Name: Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum)
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Height: Up to 18 in.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Boston Fern

The Spruce / Kara Riley

If there's one fern species you have heard of, it's likely to be the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). It's a classic, slow-growing houseplant, ideal for low-light bathrooms. This lush trendy plant is a perfect choice to add a tropical vibe to your space. Just be aware it can be finicky about light and humidity levels.
- Name: Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Native Area: Americas, Africas
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
- Height: Up to 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Asparagus Fern

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

The asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) has made it onto our list, but it's a bit of a cheat, as it isn't a true fern species. it's a versatile houseplant, and the bushy, dense, lace-like foliage is ideal for trailing from baskets. Like true ferns, it likes partial shade. It is toxic to animals.
- Name: Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus)
- Naative Area: South Africa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Height: Up to 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Foxtail Fern

The Spruce / Cielito Vivas

The foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is another fern faker. But, unlike the asparagus fern, this lush, feathery perennial evergreen herb is more commonly grown outdoors. It also produces little white flowers that turn into striking red berries in the fall. Foxtail fern is mildly toxic to humans and animals.
- Name: Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
- Native Area (Continent): Africa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Height: Up to 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Christmas Fern

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It's not just during the holidays that the fronds of the evergreen Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) shine a glossy green. While they're great for adding winter interest, they lose their arching habit in the cold months, lying flat on the ground.
- Name: Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Height: Up to 2 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Ribbon Fern

The Spruce / Kara Riley

The striking variegation of the ribbon fern (Pteris cretica) is the unique feature of this plant. The leaves are typically light green with a white stripe down the long center. They can handle more sunlight than some ferns and are popular additions to partial shade garden designs. Ribbon ferns also make good houseplants if you can give them the moisture and humidity they thrive in.
- Name: Ribbon fern (Pteris cretica)
- Native Area: Europe, Asia, Africa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-12
- Height: Up to 2 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
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Australian Tree Fern

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

Best suited to warm, humid southern regions, the tall Australian tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) is a wonderfully striking specimen plant that brings a touch of the exotic to your space. It's generally too big to be grown indoors, unless you have a large, warm conservatory that doesn't get too much direct sunlight.
- Name: Australian tree fern (Cyathea cooperi)
- Native Area: Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Height: Up to 25 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Maidenhair Fern

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

The maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) sports dinkier leaves than most fern species. It's an easy-to-get-hold-of, low-maintenance houseplant, and it grows well in shady, warm rock gardens or the cracks of stone walls. They're pretty slow growing, though, so be patient with them.
- Name: Maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
- Height: Up to 2 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Bird's Nest Fern

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) is a humidity-loving epiphytic species. This means you don't just have to grow it in pots as it gets nutrients and moisture from the air around it. They're ideal bathroom plants, where you can watch the spoon-shaped fronds slowly grow in an erect habit.
- Name: Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus)
- Native Area: Asia, Australia, Africa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 11-12
- Height: Up to 5 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Rabbit's Foot Fern

The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak

The epiphytic rabbit's foot fern (Davallia fejeensis) is a creeping evergreen that looks great growing in hanging baskets inside or in warmer climes outside. The broad green fronds look better the more they mature providing they get plenty of humidity.
- Name: Rabbit's foot fern (Davallia fejeensis)
- Native Area: Oceania
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
- Height: Up to 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Staghorn Fern

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

The slow-growing epiphytic Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) isn't as easy to grow as many fern species, but the effort pays off with a unique-looking specimen. Often hung on wooden wall displays, just make sure you regularly remove these moisture-loving plants for watering.
- Name: Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
- Native Area: Asia, Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-12
- Height: 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Dixie Wood Fern

The Spruce / K. Dave

The unique Dixie wood fern (Dryopteris x australis) is a naturally occurring hybrid with a structural, upright form and large, rich green fronds. This award winner stands out in any shady woodland garden, but it's unique in that it can also grow in sunny spots.
- Name: Dixie wood fern (Dryopteris x australis)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Height: Up to 4 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun and partial to full shade
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Crocodile Fern

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Getting their name because their leaves resemble leathery skin, crocodile ferns (Microsorum musifolium) make a unique addition to your houseplant collection. Slow-growing, they'll be happy if you can provide them with the tropical humidity levels they love.
- Name: Crocodile fern (Microsorum musifolium)
- Native Area: Southeast Asia and Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
- Height: Up to 5 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Kimberley Queen Fern

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

The graceful, tropical Kimberley queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) is popular for good reason. The large, upright fronds have dense sword-shaped leaves, and it's easier to care for and less messy (it rarely sheds its leaflets) than the equally popular Boston fern.
- Name: Kimberley queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
- Native Area: Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Height: Up to 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Cinnamon Fern

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The cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) gets its common name from the thin, brown, spore-bearing fronds that grow upright from the center of the plant. The main large fresh green lance-shaped fronds look great in any wet spot in your garden.
- Name: Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
- Native Area: Americas, Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
- Height: Up to 5 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Sensitive Fern

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The sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a hardy deciduous plant but doesn't appreciate frosty conditions. It's perfect for growing in boggy woodland parts of your garden that don't have good drainage or alongside ponds or streams. The apple green fronds add a lovely splash of color.
- Name: Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Height: Up to 4 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Kangaroo Paw Fern

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If you're not looking for uniformity in your fronds, why not try the low-growing kangaroo paw fern (Microsorum diversifolium)? Fast-growing, forgiving, and versatile, the green, thick, and shiny leaves can't fail to draw attention.
- Name: Kangaroo paw fern (Microsorum diversifolium)
- Native Area: Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Height: Up to 12 in.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Button Fern

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The button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is a cute little evergreen with a unique appearance. The small button-shaped leaves are deep green, and its compact growth habit makes it ideal for small gardens, patios, or spaces on windowsills.
- Name: Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
- Native Area: Australia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Height: Up to 1 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
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Japanese Holly Fern

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Hardy and handsome, the low-growing, scaly Japanese holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) makes a perfect ground cover in shady spots. It remains evergreen in regions that experience mild winters, providing year-round color.
- Name: Japanese holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Height: Up to 2 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Blue Star Fern

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A tropical epiphyte, the blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) has irregular attractive blue-gray fronds. It's a popular houseplant that can handle drier conditions and more light than many fern species, so you don't have to relegate it to a steamy bathroom.
- Name: Blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum)
- Native Area: South America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Height: Up to 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Hay-Scented Fern

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Crush the fronds of hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctiloba) between your fingers, and you'll be surrounded by the sweet aroma of fresh-cut hay from a field. This is an attractive fern, too, with lacy arching fronds that turn from green to yellow in the fall. It's an ideal fast-growing ground cover for woodland gardens.
- Name: Hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctiloba)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Height: Up to 2 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Japanese Tassel Fern

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The Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) has erect evergreen fronds that grow in a distinctive shuttlecock form. Even after frost, this fern keeps in good shape, making it ideal for adding winter interest to your landscape. Unlike many ferns, this species isn't a fan of wet conditions.
- Name: Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum)
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-8
- Height: Up to 3 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Male Fern

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Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a common, large, deciduous species with elegant green fronds that turn reddish-brown in the fall. One of the most low-maintenance of the cultivated ferns, it's perfect for growing in areas where it won't get much attention. It just needs to be kept out of full sun and in consistently moist soil.
- Name: Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas)
- Native Area: Europe, North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Height: Up to 4 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Royal Fern

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The royal fern (Osmunda regalis) is a tall, deciduous species with broad fronds that turn yellow to brown in the fall. It can grow in full sun in regions that experience cool summer temperatures, providing it receives consistent moisture.
- Name: Royal fern (Osmunda regalis)
- Native Area: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10
- Height: Up to 6 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
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Southern Shield Fern

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The large sea green fronds of the southern shield fern (Thelypteris kunthii) are perfect for adding textured interest to your shady yard year-round. Although they prefer consistently moist conditions, these easy-to-grow plants are more drought-tolerant than many fern species.
- Name: Southern shield fern (Thelypteris kunthii)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Height: Up to 4 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Hart's Tongue Fern

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Looking for uniform fronds that humorously look a bit like a tongue? Look no further than the Hart's tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium). The fronds are straight, undivided, and arching. The dense, linear growth and bright green tone give this fern a unique appearance. Low-maintenance and pest-free, it's no wonder this is an award winner.
- Name: Hart's tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
- Native Area: Europe, North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Height: Up to 2 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
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Heart Fern

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This sweet little epiphytic species is the perfect houseplant for compact shelves or as a terrarium addition. The glossy green heart-shaped foliage makes the heart fern (Hemionitis arifolia) especially noteworthy.
- Name: Heart fern (Hemionitis arifolia)
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
- Height: Up to 8 in.
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
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Water Clover Fern

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If you're looking for a fast-growing plant to cover your cottage pond, the water clover fern (Marsilea mutica) is a great choice. Resembling a four-leaf clover, this aquatic fern species loves wet feet, and it's hardy and sweet, but it can get out of control quickly.
- Name: Water clover fern (Marsilea mutica)
- Native Area: Asia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-11
- Height: Up to 4 in.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
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Licorice Fern

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Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a low and slow-growing epiphytic species, perfect for growing as a ground cover or across rocks or logs in a woodland garden. The evergreen species can handle drought better than most fern species, although it thrives in humid environments.
- Name: Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza)
- Native Area: North America
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Height: Up to 1 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade

More Info on Ferns

Explore more on ferns and other plants that thrive as houseplants.

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