Quick answer: Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica) is native to 24 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Moist to wet, acidic, sandy to clay/calcareous |
| Bloom | Jun-Sep (spore-bearing) |
| Height | Fronds to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
This aggressive fern quickly takes over small gardens; best in large water-logged areas
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Virginia chain fern
Where is Virginia chain fern native?
Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica) is native to 24 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Virginia chain fern bloom?
Virginia chain fern blooms Jun-Sep (spore-bearing). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Virginia chain fern need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Moist to wet, acidic, sandy to clay/calcareous. Mature height: Fronds to 3 ft.
Is Virginia chain fern deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Virginia chain fern is deer-resistant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy Virginia chain fern?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Woodwardia virginica by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Virginia chain fern.
- Sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis
- Royal fern Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis
- Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
- Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum
Also listed under
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