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A native male fern found naturally in moist woodlands around the UK. This large deciduous fern has feathery green fronds which form a distinctive shuttlecock shape and turn coppery in autumn. It makes a fine companion for shade-loving woodland plants, especially other ferns and when it's leaves die back the space can be filled with early flowering spring bulbs such as snowdrops.

• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back dead fronds in winter.