Where trees live, concentrated enough to be a forest or a glen, there exists an understory, the space that occupies their feet. Herbaceous plants live here, as well as tree saplings. The second, third, fourth chapter in the evolution of a forest lies in wait. A habitat forms, a place of cover for small mammals, shade for tree roots, hunting grounds on a minute or medium scale.
Sadly our forests are in trouble, overgrazing my be the biggest problem, deer populations have grown. Many of the plants that remain, ignored by deer, are alien. Japanese stilt grass, barberry shrubs, and Japanese honeysuckle are the overbearing thugs of my forest. I have watched them spread and the wild understory diminish.
Christmas fern
An opportunity exists to make it better. A step towards improvement. In our geographical location, we have many native ferns. Diverse in their needs, rich in their attributes, they fill a niche. Some thrive in dry shade, a few are evergreen, and if you have a wet spot, your options are many.
hayscented fern
For an expansive fern understory consider the hayscented fern. This running or rhizomatous species is tough, durable, yet delicate in appearance. In fall it blazes yellow and amber before it descends into dormancy. In similarly dry conditions, the Christmas fern is evergreen. Equally tough, as beautiful in January as it is in August. Goldie's fern reaches three feet, use the height to accent others. In the wild it will grow taller when its near water, although very reliable without.
ostrich fern
In wet places, the choices are many. For a spreading, medium height fern (two feet), use the sensitive fern. A common native, adaptive to dry and moist, grow this species in a naturally moist area for luxuriant foliage, otherwise its sensitivities will show as fronds with brown tips. In your swampiest soils grow the ostrich fern. Spreading by rhizomes, the roots seek moisture and colonize the spaces they find agreeable. In winter they sport fertile fronds which are showy. New fiddleheads of spring can be eaten, cut when two or three inches tall, wash under cold running water and gently rub off the insulating hairs. Boil for three or four minutes and eat chilled in a spring salad or hot with butter and salt.
Christmas fern
By planting these native ferns you are re-establishing a diminishing habitat, adding a layer of softness where trunks meet ground. They may be luxurient in summer and fall but in spring the emerging fiddleheads are equally enjoyable.
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