Cool shady spots need ferns. Elegant, tropical and woodsy all at the same time, they are a must for any shade garden. The gracefully arching fronds of wood fern, also known as Southern shield fern or Kunth's maiden fern, are light to medium green and take on a bronze tinge in autumn. Wood fern makes a terrific ground cover in shade and, of course, woodland gardens. It spreads by rhizomes to form colonies but is not particularly aggressive. Use it as understory around a shade tree. Cut back the brown fronds of this deciduous plant before new growth emerges in the spring. Grows to 3 ft. H and 1 ft. W. Appreciates regular watering and thrives in average to rich, well-drained soil. While requiring moist soil, it can survive brief dry spells. Provide shade. Hardy to Zone 7/0°F.