10 Ferns Perfect For Sunny Areas

by Bilal Iqbal – February 14, 2023

10 Ferns Perfect for Sunny Areas

Introduction When considering ferns, we often imagine lush, shady forests and relaxed, damp environments. However, several fern species thrive in sunny areas. In contrast, ferns are typically associated with shaded spots; many varieties have evolved to adapt to different conditions, including those with higher levels of sunlight.

In this article, we will explore ten fern species that are perfect for sunny areas, providing options for gardeners and landscapers looking to introduce the unique charm of ferns to their sunlit landscapes.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) Known for its delicate, fan-shaped fronds, the Maidenhair Fern is surprisingly versatile and can thrive in sunny locations with adequate moisture. Its lacy foliage creates a soft, graceful appearance that contrasts beautifully with more traditional sun-loving plants. Regular watering and well-draining soil are vital to maintaining the health of this fern in sunny areas.

Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) The Autumn Fern earns its name from the stunning coppery-red color its young fronds exhibit during the spring and fall. As the fronds mature, they transition to a deep green shade that complements the surrounding landscape. This fern is well-suited to partial shade but can tolerate morning sun with proper soil moisture.

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) With its silvery-gray fronds adorned with delicate purple veins, the Japanese Painted Fern is a true eye-catcher. It thrives in partial shade but can handle some sun if the soil remains consistently moist.

Southern Wood Fern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) The Southern Wood Fern is native to North America and is well-adapted to sunny areas with well-drained soil. Its bold, leathery fronds give the landscape a touch of rugged beauty. This fern is drought-tolerant once established, making it an ideal choice for areas where water may be limited.

Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) The Lemon Button Fern is a compact and charming fern species that can tolerate more sun than its larger relatives. Its tiny, button-like fronds create a delicate, airy texture that adds a sense of lightness to the garden. While it can handle some sun, it's essential to ensure the soil stays consistently moist.

Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) The Bracken Fern is a hardy species that can tolerate full sun and even some dry conditions once established. Its large, triangular fronds create a bold and striking presence in the garden. This fern is often found in open woodlands and meadows, showcasing its adaptability to sunnier environments.

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Named for the cinnamon-colored fertile fronds it produces in the spring, the Cinnamon Fern is another option for sunny spots with consistently moist soil. This fern is native to wetlands but can tolerate some sun as long as its water needs are met. Its unique frond structure adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.

Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) The Royal Fern is a larger species that can make a statement in sunny areas with ample moisture. Its feathery fronds can grow up to 6 feet tall, creating a lush and verdant focal point. While it prefers damp conditions, it can handle some sun with regular watering.

Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) The Sensitive Fern gets its name from its rapid response to changing weather conditions, with its fronds curling up when it senses a change in humidity. This fern is adaptable to a range of sunlight levels, making it suitable for sunny spots that are also kept moist. Its distinct texture adds a unique element to the garden.

Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytonia) The Interrupted Fern stands out with its distinctive fronds that appear to be "interrupted" by spore-bearing segments. This fern prefers consistently moist soil and can tolerate some sun, mainly if provided with ample water. Its unusual frond structure and adaptability make it an intriguing choice for sunny areas.

Conclusion While ferns are often associated with shaded environments, these ten fern species provide options for introducing their beauty and charm to sunny areas. With careful consideration of soil moisture and regular maintenance, these ferns can thrive and add a touch of elegance, texture, and visual interest to gardens, landscapes, and even indoor spaces with ample sunlight.

Whether looking for delicate fronds, unique colors, or bold foliage, a sunny fern option can transform your space into a verdant oasis of natural beauty. In the realm of flora, few plants evoke a sense of mystery and ancient elegance quite like ferns. These enigmatic beauties have captivated the imagination for centuries, often associated with shaded and damp spots where they thrive.

With their delicate fronds and distinctive life cycle, ferns bring a unique charm to the natural world, transforming dimly lit corners into lush oases of greenery. One of the defining characteristics of ferns is their preference for shaded environments. Unlike many other plants that require ample sunlight to photosynthesize, ferns have adapted to the low-light conditions of the forest floor. This preference is deeply rooted in their evolutionary history.

Early ferns likely emerged when towering trees dominated the Earth and sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopies. As a result, ferns flourished in the understory, making them essential components of various ecosystems, especially those with thick vegetation and limited direct sunlight. The adaptation of ferns to shaded environments can be observed in their unique leaf structure.

The fronds of ferns, which serve the purpose of leaves, are often thin and delicate, maximizing their surface area for light absorption while minimizing self-shading. These fronds are typically divided into smaller leaflets or pinnae, which further aid in capturing light efficiently. The intricate patterns and designs formed by these leaflets contribute to the ornamental appeal of ferns, making them popular choices for adding an aesthetic touch to shaded gardens.

Ferns have also perfected their reproductive strategies to suit their shaded habitats. Unlike flowering plants that rely on pollinators, ferns reproduce via spores. These microscopic reproductive units are released from specialized structures called sporangia on the undersides of fern fronds. Spores are lightweight and easily carried by the wind, allowing them to disperse widely in search of suitable shaded spots to colonize.

This mode of reproduction is advantageous in environments where pollinators might be scarce due to reduced sunlight. In addition to their biological adaptations, ferns have woven themselves into the cultural fabric of various societies. They have been revered as symbols of resilience, growth, and the passage of time. Their ability to flourish in the shadows has led to associations with hidden wisdom and ancient secrets.

Ferns have often been depicted in art, literature, and folklore as mysterious and enchanting, adding to their allure. Shaded gardens and landscapes gain a unique dimension when adorned with ferns. These plants have an unparalleled ability to transform gloomy nooks into vibrant pockets of life.

Whether lining the edges of a woodland path, gracing the corners of a shaded patio, or flourishing in the heart of a rainforest, ferns bring a sense of tranquility and natural splendor. Their presence creates a microcosm of a thriving ecosystem, reminding us of the intricate beauty that can be found even in the dimmest of spaces.

Ferns are indeed the enigmatic beauties of shaded landscapes. Their preference for low-light environments, unique leaf structures, and specialized reproductive strategies make them a perfect fit for the understory of forests and other shady habitats. Beyond their ecological adaptations, ferns hold a special place in human culture and imagination, symbolizing resilience and hidden wonders.

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Bracken Fern - TN Nursery

Bracken Fern

Bracken Fern, or Pteridium aquilinum, is a captivating and ubiquitous fern species that thrives in a wide range of habitats across the globe. This perennial plant, which belongs to the Dennstaedtiaceae family, is a prime example of nature's adaptability and resilience.; Bracken Fern Has Silvery Hair Brown stems covered with silvery gray hair are characteristic of them. Their typical flowering time is in early spring. Their compound leaves are twice as numerous as their triangular leaves. These leaves can be two to four feet long and up to three feet wide. An intricate whorl of three leaves forms at the very base of the stem. Spores grow on the leaves ' underside, starting in the middle to the end of June and continuing into late summer. The fronds will grow again after the first heavy frost in the spring. By the end of summer, the fronds begin to change color, going from brown to a beautiful copper or gold that complements any vivid fall foliage. The thick canopies they create keep the soil wet, making a humid microclimate home to many plants and animals. They are also essential to the habitat's biodiversity since they provide food for some animals, like rabbits. They are perfect for building nests because they have many fibrous fronds, which many birds and small animals use. Create Beautiful Edges and Borders With Bracken Fern Bracken Fern provides a gentle and realistic border that goes well with garden settings. They are great for adding winter beauty to garden borders because of their evergreen leaves. They are a good option for garden borders in regions prone to deer since they are usually resistant to deer grazing. Bracken Fern Makes Soil Healthy  By decomposing leaf litter, Bracken Fern improves soil structure, increases microbial activity, and supplies organic matter to the soil, making it healthier. The fibrous roots of these plants improve drainage and lessen soil compaction by aerating the soil. They also help with nutrient cycling by absorbing and releasing nutrients, stabilizing soil, and preventing erosion.
From $9.99
From $9.99
Cinnamon Fern - TN Nursery

Cinnamon Fern

The Cinnamon Fern is a large deciduous plant characterized by its distinctive, brown-colored fertile fronds standing upright in the center. It is captivating and versatile and has numerous landscaping benefits. This plant, native to eastern North America, has become famous for gardeners and landscapers due to its aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and environmental contributions. Cinnamon Fern grows to a height of 6 feet and spreads about 4 feet on its black stalks. The unfurled pinnae are Kelly green on top, while the fronds in the center of the plant, which give it its name, are dark brown and resemble sticks of cinnamon because they grow straight up. Cinnamon Fern In The Springtime Early in the spring, the central fronds that turn brown later start life as silver-colored fiddleheads. They're covered in fur, too, charmingly "shaking off the cold of winter." The broad fronds on the stalks form a cute rosette around the central stalks. The silver fiddleheads match well with Fescue or Brunner. Those fiddleheads appear early in the year when the top of the plant is clumped together in a cute bundle. As the Cinnamon Fern Opens When the fiddleheads are ready to open, their silver hair turns brown and clings to the base of the pinnae as they expand to their full glory. The large, broad pinnae on 3-foot fronds is the sterile variety. In the center of the plant, the brown-colored fronds with much smaller pinnae are the fertile fronds. The plant's attractiveness comes from the contrast between the two frond types. Secondarily, the contrast between the expanded fronds and any nearby silver flowers they used to match is equally striking. When it comes to the sterile fronds, they can hold almost two dozen pinnae that taper gently in size from large to small, creating a shape that nearly resembles a palm frond made up of pinnae. The Sporangia Of The Cinnamon Fern This plant doesn't have sori. Instead, it has sporangia that surround the stalk of the fertile frond. These turn brown as they open and give the plant its name. Up close, they're made up of tiny dots that wrap around the stalk in delicate, beautiful shapes. From the time the plants peek through until the fiddleheads unfurl, it is about a week during the spring. During this time, you can see the shape of the pinnae and fronds develop and become full members of the garden for that year. Cinnamon Fern makes an attractive, striking, and attention-grabbing entry in any garden, and because they're perennial, they'll be back every year to be a lovely garden anchor.
From $10.99
From $10.99
Royal Fern - TN Nursery

Royal Fern

The Royal Fern is a large, striking fern with feathery fronds and a distinctive crown of fertile fronds. It is typically found in wetland habitats and is appreciated for its ornamental appeal in gardens. The Royal Fern is distinctive from other plants in the class because of its notable size. Specifically, this is one of the largest that grows outside of tropical zones in the United States. Also known as the osmunda regalis, the plant thrives in areas of the yard that are moist, including both shady and partially shady spots. Why should you include it in your landscaping plans? The Appearance Of Royal Fern The plant is appropriately named because it can grow up to six feet tall, and its size at maturity often makes it a solid focal point in yards. The fronds can be as comprehensive as 16 inches and feature up to nine pinna pairs, each with up to 13 pinnules. These qualities, combined with the healthy green color and the point shape of the fronts, add a rich texture to your yard that elevates aesthetics. The Wildlife Attraction and Tolerance Of Royal Fern While some wildlife is welcome in your yard, others can cause considerable damage and should be deterred. The potential damage from foragers like deer and rabbits is deterred as these animals do not use this plant for food. However, turtles, birds, and frogs, which generally do not cause damage, often seek shelter in their bushy leaves. Royal Fern is Pest Resistant While hungry insects often feed on various types of plants, it is well-known for repelling them. Specifically, the recognizable leaves have particular proteins that repel many kinds of insects. Any insects that do find their way to these plants often become food for the birds and other animals that live under the fronds for protection from the elements and their natural predators. When Royal Ferns are planted three feet apart, as recommended, there is little concern about them outgrowing their allocated space. The plants grow only a few inches yearly and do not need to be cut back to prevent overgrowth. As a result, it takes many years for the plant to reach its full size, and minimal care of this low-maintenance plant is required.
From $9.99
From $9.99
Sensitive Fern - TN Nursery

Sensitive Fern

The Sensitive Fern is a hardy, deciduous plant with finely dissected fronds that curl up when touched or exposed to frost. This makes it a unique and exciting addition to damp woodland gardens. This fern is a beloved plant that gets its name due to its sensitive nature, preferring specific environments that are mostly warm and humid. But despite its name, it's one that you should pay attention to if you live in a region that it can grow in. Let's examine why this perennial plant is a must-have for your landscape.  Sensitive Fern Is Stunning in Greater Numbers This plant looks good, but it produces a lush, green, thick spectacle that quickly adds more to any space when you plant multiple perennials together. The lobed leaves blend and reach up and out at a maximum height of about two feet. If you want to add some volume and life to spaces that need it most, consider adding several plants to your landscape. They may even spread naturally with time. Sensitive Fern Acts As a Home for Wildlife These plants grow in areas where wildlife flourishes, meaning they play an essential role in the ecosystem. Speaking of its more practical uses, small animals like frogs and salamanders will use the leaves of this plant to take cover and escape from the heat. If you're looking for plants that are friends with and attractors of wildlife, this one will be an excellent fit for your space. Sensitive Fern also serves as a source for animals and insects, so you won't have to worry about the wildlife population in your area decimating your plants before you can enjoy them. It is both deer—and rabbit-resistant, with larger animals only taking a few leaves or avoiding them entirely. This ensures that your plants still contribute positively to the environment but aren't at risk of being wiped out by animals. Sensitive Fern Is A Stunning Border Plant Groundcover like Sensitive Fern is the perfect solution where more common plants cannot grow. Adding height and color to more moist and humid areas of your property, these perennials take root and help your property look less bare, supporting the areas in your yard that need it most.
From $9.99
From $9.99
Bracken Fern - TN Nursery

Bracken Fern

Bracken Fern, or Pteridium aquilinum, is a captivating and ubiquitous fern species that thrives in a wide range of habitats across the globe. This perennial plant, which belongs to the Dennstaedtiaceae family, is a prime example of nature's adaptability and resilience.; Bracken Fern Has Silvery Hair Brown stems covered with silvery gray hair are characteristic of them. Their typical flowering time is in early spring. Their compound leaves are twice as numerous as their triangular leaves. These leaves can be two to four feet long and up to three feet wide. An intricate whorl of three leaves forms at the very base of the stem. Spores grow on the leaves ' underside, starting in the middle to the end of June and continuing into late summer. The fronds will grow again after the first heavy frost in the spring. By the end of summer, the fronds begin to change color, going from brown to a beautiful copper or gold that complements any vivid fall foliage. The thick canopies they create keep the soil wet, making a humid microclimate home to many plants and animals. They are also essential to the habitat's biodiversity since they provide food for some animals, like rabbits. They are perfect for building nests because they have many fibrous fronds, which many birds and small animals use. Create Beautiful Edges and Borders With Bracken Fern Bracken Fern provides a gentle and realistic border that goes well with garden settings. They are great for adding winter beauty to garden borders because of their evergreen leaves. They are a good option for garden borders in regions prone to deer since they are usually resistant to deer grazing. Bracken Fern Makes Soil Healthy  By decomposing leaf litter, Bracken Fern improves soil structure, increases microbial activity, and supplies organic matter to the soil, making it healthier. The fibrous roots of these plants improve drainage and lessen soil compaction by aerating the soil. They also help with nutrient cycling by absorbing and releasing nutrients, stabilizing soil, and preventing erosion.
From $9.99
From $9.99
Cinnamon Fern - TN Nursery

Cinnamon Fern

The Cinnamon Fern is a large deciduous plant characterized by its distinctive, brown-colored fertile fronds standing upright in the center. It is captivating and versatile and has numerous landscaping benefits. This plant, native to eastern North America, has become famous for gardeners and landscapers due to its aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and environmental contributions. Cinnamon Fern grows to a height of 6 feet and spreads about 4 feet on its black stalks. The unfurled pinnae are Kelly green on top, while the fronds in the center of the plant, which give it its name, are dark brown and resemble sticks of cinnamon because they grow straight up. Cinnamon Fern In The Springtime Early in the spring, the central fronds that turn brown later start life as silver-colored fiddleheads. They're covered in fur, too, charmingly "shaking off the cold of winter." The broad fronds on the stalks form a cute rosette around the central stalks. The silver fiddleheads match well with Fescue or Brunner. Those fiddleheads appear early in the year when the top of the plant is clumped together in a cute bundle. As the Cinnamon Fern Opens When the fiddleheads are ready to open, their silver hair turns brown and clings to the base of the pinnae as they expand to their full glory. The large, broad pinnae on 3-foot fronds is the sterile variety. In the center of the plant, the brown-colored fronds with much smaller pinnae are the fertile fronds. The plant's attractiveness comes from the contrast between the two frond types. Secondarily, the contrast between the expanded fronds and any nearby silver flowers they used to match is equally striking. When it comes to the sterile fronds, they can hold almost two dozen pinnae that taper gently in size from large to small, creating a shape that nearly resembles a palm frond made up of pinnae. The Sporangia Of The Cinnamon Fern This plant doesn't have sori. Instead, it has sporangia that surround the stalk of the fertile frond. These turn brown as they open and give the plant its name. Up close, they're made up of tiny dots that wrap around the stalk in delicate, beautiful shapes. From the time the plants peek through until the fiddleheads unfurl, it is about a week during the spring. During this time, you can see the shape of the pinnae and fronds develop and become full members of the garden for that year. Cinnamon Fern makes an attractive, striking, and attention-grabbing entry in any garden, and because they're perennial, they'll be back every year to be a lovely garden anchor.
From $10.99
From $10.99
Royal Fern - TN Nursery

Royal Fern

The Royal Fern is a large, striking fern with feathery fronds and a distinctive crown of fertile fronds. It is typically found in wetland habitats and is appreciated for its ornamental appeal in gardens. The Royal Fern is distinctive from other plants in the class because of its notable size. Specifically, this is one of the largest that grows outside of tropical zones in the United States. Also known as the osmunda regalis, the plant thrives in areas of the yard that are moist, including both shady and partially shady spots. Why should you include it in your landscaping plans? The Appearance Of Royal Fern The plant is appropriately named because it can grow up to six feet tall, and its size at maturity often makes it a solid focal point in yards. The fronds can be as comprehensive as 16 inches and feature up to nine pinna pairs, each with up to 13 pinnules. These qualities, combined with the healthy green color and the point shape of the fronts, add a rich texture to your yard that elevates aesthetics. The Wildlife Attraction and Tolerance Of Royal Fern While some wildlife is welcome in your yard, others can cause considerable damage and should be deterred. The potential damage from foragers like deer and rabbits is deterred as these animals do not use this plant for food. However, turtles, birds, and frogs, which generally do not cause damage, often seek shelter in their bushy leaves. Royal Fern is Pest Resistant While hungry insects often feed on various types of plants, it is well-known for repelling them. Specifically, the recognizable leaves have particular proteins that repel many kinds of insects. Any insects that do find their way to these plants often become food for the birds and other animals that live under the fronds for protection from the elements and their natural predators. When Royal Ferns are planted three feet apart, as recommended, there is little concern about them outgrowing their allocated space. The plants grow only a few inches yearly and do not need to be cut back to prevent overgrowth. As a result, it takes many years for the plant to reach its full size, and minimal care of this low-maintenance plant is required.
From $9.99
From $9.99
Sensitive Fern - TN Nursery

Sensitive Fern

The Sensitive Fern is a hardy, deciduous plant with finely dissected fronds that curl up when touched or exposed to frost. This makes it a unique and exciting addition to damp woodland gardens. This fern is a beloved plant that gets its name due to its sensitive nature, preferring specific environments that are mostly warm and humid. But despite its name, it's one that you should pay attention to if you live in a region that it can grow in. Let's examine why this perennial plant is a must-have for your landscape.  Sensitive Fern Is Stunning in Greater Numbers This plant looks good, but it produces a lush, green, thick spectacle that quickly adds more to any space when you plant multiple perennials together. The lobed leaves blend and reach up and out at a maximum height of about two feet. If you want to add some volume and life to spaces that need it most, consider adding several plants to your landscape. They may even spread naturally with time. Sensitive Fern Acts As a Home for Wildlife These plants grow in areas where wildlife flourishes, meaning they play an essential role in the ecosystem. Speaking of its more practical uses, small animals like frogs and salamanders will use the leaves of this plant to take cover and escape from the heat. If you're looking for plants that are friends with and attractors of wildlife, this one will be an excellent fit for your space. Sensitive Fern also serves as a source for animals and insects, so you won't have to worry about the wildlife population in your area decimating your plants before you can enjoy them. It is both deer—and rabbit-resistant, with larger animals only taking a few leaves or avoiding them entirely. This ensures that your plants still contribute positively to the environment but aren't at risk of being wiped out by animals. Sensitive Fern Is A Stunning Border Plant Groundcover like Sensitive Fern is the perfect solution where more common plants cannot grow. Adding height and color to more moist and humid areas of your property, these perennials take root and help your property look less bare, supporting the areas in your yard that need it most.
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