Leatherwood Fern or
Marginal Shield Fern
(Dryopteris marginalis)

Left:  Dryopteris mariginalis from the ASMSA Garden in early fall of 2024.
Above:  Mature Dryopteris mariginalis.

Plant Characteristics

Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Leatherwood Fern is best grown in medium to partial shade and in moderately moist, rocky soils. They prefer mesic, well-draining, and acidic soils but are tolerant of most soil types.


Growth Habit/Description:

Leatherwood fern typically constructs clumps that are 1.5 to 2 feet tall that are non-spreading and have a vase-like shape. Leaves are evergreen, arching, have a leathery texture, and form a rootstock that is vertical. Each leaf has anywhere from 12-20 pairs of leaflets along their central stalks. The upper leaf exterior is a mix of yellow and green or medium to dark green whereas the lower leaf exterior has a paler appearance in comparison. Both exteriors do not have hair.


Bloom Season:

The Leatherwood fern does not have a blooming season as it is not a flowering plant; it reproduces through spores.


Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes.  The sori on the plant attain an orangish-brown coloring and are more prominent in the Fall and Winter. Its foliage maintains a green and glossy appearance throughout Winter.

Distribution

Habitat:  Leatherwood Fern is common along the southern margins of Illinois and occasionally in other areas within the state. This plant is particularly prevalent in the Shawnee Hills of Illinois. It grows at a range of sites including rocky woodlands, sandstone ravines, rocky wooded slopes, as well as wooded slopes of stabilized sand dunes.

Native to Arkansas?  Yes

Native to Garland County?  Yes

Endemic to Arkansas? No

Ecological Value

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Leatherwood Fern is a host plant for the caterpillars of the Ghostly Fern Moth (Fagitana littera) and the Conifer Swift Moth (Korscheltellus gracilis).

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   The leatherwood fern is rarely browsed by White-Tailed Deer. It serves as a host plant for aphids such as the Amphorophora ampullata and potentially the Macrosiphum miho. Additionally, it provides shelter for toads and lizards.

Other Interesting Facts

Origin of Name:  The Greek words drys (tree) and pteris (fern).


Related Plant Species:  Leatherwood fern has a very similar appearance to its relative the Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) though it is more desireable regarding its attributes. Leatherwood Fern is more behaved and has evergreen leaves.


Use For Food/Medicine:

An infusion has been used in the treatment of rheumatism, inflammation, and various wounds and ulcers. Its medicinal properties are viewed as more traditional. Its poisonous properties make it inedible to humans, however, aphids and insects feed on it.

References

Klingaman, Gerald.  c 2014.   Fayetteville (AR):   University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.  Extension News.  Plant of the Week:  Fern, Autumn.  [Cited 2024, Sept 15].   Available from:  https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/fern-autumn-11-7-2014.aspx 


Native Plant Trust. c 2024. Framingham (MA). Dryopteris marginilas. [Cited 2024, Sept 15]. Available from: https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/plant/Dryopteris-marginalis#:~:text=Wildlife%20Benefits%3A%20Wood%20ferns%20


Hilty, John. c 2004-2019.  Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, and Non-flowering Plants in Illinois.  Marginal Shied Fern. [Cited 2024, Sept 15].  Available from:  http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/mshield_fern.htm 


Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database.  Austin (TX):   University of Texas-Austin.   Dryopteris Marginalis.  [Cited 2024, Sept 15].   Available from:  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DRMA4


 Last edited by Jade Espinoza, September 2024.