The rigid buckler fern is in the polypody family (Polypodiaceae). Native to central and southern Europe, it is usually found growing over limestone in crevices. The species epithet honors fern collector “Cl. Villarius,” about whom little is known. The rigid buckler fern will grow in most soils that are moist and well-drained. Grow in shade or partially shaded areas and do not let the soil dry out. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the shallow roots. Propagation is by spores or division. The rigid, leathery fronds arise from rhizomes and are attractive. The fronds and short brown stems are 16” tall and spread by rhizomes. In its native environment, it can grow up to 30 inches from May to November, followed by spores from July to September. The fronds are tufted, erect or spreading. Like most ferns, they are deer and rabbit-resistant. Plant it in woodlands or naturalized areas and along ponds or streams. Use as a mass planting to control erosion. It can also be used in small spaces. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Relatively problem-free. VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington , Director of JC Raulston Arboretum . More information on Dryopteris .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
The gray-green fronds are 8 inches long with short brown stipes. There are aromatic glands on both sides of the leaflets. Leaflets are bipinnate with slightly dentate margins and are narrowly oblong-lanceolate.
Flower detail
No flowers.
Fruit detail
No fruits. This plant reproduces via spores. The sori are arranged in two rows along the midrib, usually four to six per row.
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Reddish-brown stems
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Central & South Europe
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Naturalized Area; Pond; Riparian; Small Space; Woodland