Description of Dryopteris Macilenta
Dryopteris macilenta, also known as E. St. John's wood fern, is a native plant of North America. It is commonly found in the eastern parts of the United States, ranging from Maine to Florida and west to Texas and Missouri. This plant prefers to grow in moist woodland areas, often near streams and on rocky slopes.
Appearance and Characteristics
Dryopteris macilenta is a deciduous fern that grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The fronds, which emerge from a stout, creeping rhizome, are a striking bright green color and can be up to 3 feet long. They are narrow and tapered, with a somewhat lacy texture.
Each frond has numerous small leaflets which are attached by thin stalks to the frond's midrib. These leaflets have a smooth texture and are lance-shaped, with finely serrated edges. As the plant matures, its fronds become slightly arched, giving the plant a more rounded appearance.
Common Names and Uses
Dryopteris macilenta is commonly known as E. St. John's wood fern, after its discoverer, Edwin St. John. Other common names for this plant include Eastern Narrow-Lipped Fern and Eastern Wood Fern.
This fern is often grown for aesthetic purposes in shaded gardens and is used as a groundcover. It is also a popular choice for naturalizing and landscaping around water features or in woodland areas. Dryopteris macilenta has also been used in traditional herbal medicine as a treatment for various ailments, including menstrual cramps and rheumatism.
Overall, Dryopteris macilenta is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be enjoyed for both its ornamental and medicinal qualities.
Typical Growth Conditions for Dryopteris macilenta (E. St. John) Correll
The Dryopteris macilenta is a native fern in North America. It grows well in various environments, from woodlands to rocky hillsides. The fern has a unique beauty that makes it a popular plant for indoor and outdoor decoration.
Light Requirements
The Dryopteris macilenta prefers partially shaded to fully shaded areas. It does not thrive in direct sunlight, and excessive exposure to sun rays can cause its leaves to become yellow and dry. The ideal location for this fern is where it can receive filtered light or bright indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The Dryopteris macilenta requires temperatures ranging between 60 - 80 F to grow optimally. During its active growth period from spring through summer, the fern requires a slightly warmer temperature range. However, during winter, when it becomes dormant, it can survive in temperatures as low as 40 F.
Soil Requirements
The soil for growing Dryopteris macilenta should be acidic, moist, and well-draining. The ideal soil pH range is between 4.5 to 6.5. The fern requires a good water retention capacity to maintain the needed moisture level in its soil. Adding organic matter such as sphagnum moss, peat moss, compost, or humus to the soil can help improve its water retention capacity and nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods
Dryopteris macilenta is a hardy fern species that can grow in various soil types. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant thrives best in partial to full shade areas with indirect sunlight.
The fern propagates through its spores, which appear on its fronds in mid-summer. The spores can be collected and sown in pots to grow new plants. To start the spores, fill a pot with moist, well-draining potting soil, and sprinkle the spores on the surface. Cover the pot with a clear lid for moisture retention, and place it in a cool, shaded location. The spores will germinate in a few weeks, and once the plants have grown to about 2 inches, they can be transferred to the garden or a larger pot.
Watering Needs
Dryopteris macilenta requires consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely or stay sopping wet. Water the fern deeply once a week and adjust the frequency based on the weather conditions, as the plant may require more water during hot and dry seasons. Use a hose or watering can to deliver water directly to the soil and avoid wetting the leaves, which may lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilizing Dryopteris macilenta, organic and slow-release fertilizers are the best options. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth, and the plant's fronds may become floppy. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, usually in spring and summer, following the package instructions. Spread the granules around the fern's base and water them thoroughly.
Pruning
Pruning Dryopteris macilenta is not necessary, but you may remove dead or yellow fronds throughout the year. Simply cut the fronds off at the base of the stem using sterilized pruning shears. Avoid tearing the fronds or pulling them off, as it may damage the plant's crown. Additionally, pruning may stimulate new frond growth and keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Dryopteris macilenta
Dryopteris macilenta is a fern species that can be propagated through spores, rhizome division, and tissue culture.
Spore Propagation
Spore propagation is the most common method of propagating Dryopteris macilenta. Fern spores are typically collected when the sporangia are mature and have turned brown. The spores are then sown on a suitable substrate, such as a mixture of peat moss and sand, and kept moist until they germinate.
Once the spores have germinated, they can be transferred to individual containers and grown under controlled conditions until they are large enough to be transplanted.
Rhizome Division
Dryopteris macilenta can also be propagated through rhizome division. This is typically done in the spring or fall by dividing the rhizomes into sections with a sharp, sterile knife.
Each section should contain at least one growing point and a sufficient amount of roots. The divided rhizomes can then be planted in individual containers or directly in the ground.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is another possible method of propagating Dryopteris macilenta. This method involves taking small tissue samples from the fern and growing them under controlled conditions on a nutrient-rich medium.
Once the tissue samples have multiplied, they can be transferred to individual containers and grown until they are large enough to be transplanted.
Overall, Dryopteris macilenta can be propagated through spores, rhizome division, and tissue culture, giving growers multiple options to increase their fern stock.
Disease Management
Dryopteris macilenta is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect the plant's growth and cause significant damage if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes spotting and yellowing of the fronds. The best way to manage anthracnose is to remove infected fronds and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation to prevent the spread of the disease. Apply fungicides as a preventive measure in the early spring.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the fronds. It can spread rapidly during humid conditions. Remove infected fronds and dispose of them properly. Improve air circulation, reduce humidity, and increase sunlight to prevent the disease's spread. Apply fungicides labeled for rust control as a preventive measure.
Virus
Viruses can cause yellow streaking on the fronds of Dryopteris macilenta. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for viral infections, so the best management strategy is to remove infected plant material and dispose of it properly. Avoid overhead watering, sanitize pruning tools, and wash your hands before handling healthy plants to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Dryopteris macilenta can attract several pests that can harm the plants. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Scale Insects
Scale insects are common pests that feed on the fronds of Dryopteris macilenta. They look like tiny bumps and can cause yellowing and wilting of the fronds. Manage scale insects by pruning out infected fronds and applying a dormant oil spray to the fronds in the winter to smother any overwintering pests.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that create fine webs on the fronds of Dryopteris macilenta. They suck the sap from the plant, which can lead to wilting and yellowing of the fronds. Increase humidity around the plant to discourage spider mites. You can wash them off with a strong spray of water or apply an insecticidal soap to the fronds.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can chew holes in the fronds of Dryopteris macilenta. Manage them by removing debris and other hiding places from around the plant. Apply a slug bait to reduce their population. Handpick them from the plant in the early morning or late evening when they are most active.
