Why choose native plants? Pacific Northwest native plants know how to live here and how to thrive here. They often need much less water and less fertilizer. They spread slowly and are not invasive. They support a wide diversity of wildlife. And best of all, they look great!
The second most common fern in western Oregon, deer fern is a lovely native evergreen clumping perennial, bringing grace and function to woodland shade gardens. First-year upright fronds add strong architectural lines to the garden and striking contrast to its gentle texture. Grows to 2′ wide and 2′ tall (when fronds are emerging). Plant provides year-round habitat for birds, amphibians, small mammals and insects, bird-nesting material and is a valuable forage plant for deer, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, elk, moose, and caribou. Deer fern grows best in moist to wet evergreen or semi-evergreen forests and/or along streambanks, nestled in the soft, crumbly soil that comes from centuries of fallen detritus, and the symbiotic support of a real forest – but it can find home in your urban or suburban garden given adequate shade and/or moisture. Tuck it into under native evergreen trees and other moist, mossy areas rich with organic matter and well-protected by a nice thick layer of fallen leaves that will help retain moisture and be broken down by fungus and microscopic organisms, slow-releasing soil nutrients over time. Excellent companion plants include vine maple, Indian plum, evergreen huckleberry, inside-out flower, oxalis, alumroot, trillium, sword fern, salal, vanilla leaf, piggyback plant, foam flower, and many others. Image courtesy of Xera Plants.
