(syn: Thelypteris hexagonoptera) Phegopteris hexagonoptera is one of the most garden worthy US native ferns we grow. Despite naturally occuring in every state East of the Mississippi River, it’s odd how rarely we see it being grown in gardens. Commonly known as broad beech fern, this deciduous fern is extremely easy to grow in a wide range of conditions from part sun to shade and from slightly moist to slightly dry, although it is typically found in rich woodlands. The distinctive triangular-shaped fronds of Phegopteris hexagonoptera are held atop 18″ tall, sturdy thin black stems. The slowly spreading rhizomatous broad beech fern makes a large 5′ wide deer-resistant patch in ten years.
