How to Grow Native Groundcovers and Ferns
Native Groundcovers and Ferns
Various (e.g., Polystichum, Adiantum, Athyrium, Dryopteris spp.)
groundcoverNative groundcovers and ferns are low-growing perennial plants that naturally occur in regional ecosystems and provide year-round foliage, erosion control, and habitat for wildlife. Ferns are non-flowering plants with fronds that reproduce via spores, while groundcovers include diverse low-growing natives like sedges, mosses, and herbaceous plants. Together, they create naturalistic, low-maintenance plantings that suppress weeds and thrive in shade.
When should you plant Native Groundcovers and Ferns in your zone?
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Example Native Groundcovers and Ferns timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Native Groundcovers and Ferns
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Native Groundcovers and Ferns
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Native Groundcovers and Ferns dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Varies by species; most temperate natives thrive in zones 3-8; choose species native to your region for best results
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Get my Native Groundcovers and Ferns timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (First Year)
3-6 monthsFerns develop from small fronds; groundcovers send out runners or clumps; limited above-ground spread
Water regularly to keep soil moist; mulch lightly around crowns; avoid disturbance; do not fertilize; remove competing weeds
Vegetative Growth (Year 1-2)
6-12 monthsFronds expand and mature; groundcovers fill in more densely; foliage deepens in color
Continue consistent moisture; gradually reduce supplemental watering as plants establish; deadhead any flowers on groundcovers if desired; do not prune ferns in fall
Full Establishment & Spread (Year 2-3)
12+ monthsDense frond canopy develops; groundcovers interlock and suppress weeds; new fronds emerge each spring
Reduce watering to rainfall; apply leaf litter as mulch in fall; ferns benefit from annual leaf-mulch replenishment; allow self-seeding of native groundcovers
Seasonal Dormancy (Fall/Winter)
3-4 monthsDeciduous ferns yellow and die back; evergreen ferns retain fronds; groundcovers may reduce growth in cold
Do not cut back ferns until spring (fronds provide winter protection); leave seed heads and dry foliage for wildlife; no watering needed in dormant season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand; encourage ground beetles; mulch sparingly; avoid overwatering; use copper tape barriers if needed
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Spray with water; introduce ladybugs; rarely problematic in shade plantings
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Increase humidity; mist foliage; ensure consistent moisture; pest thrives in dry conditions
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Remove by hand; spray with horticultural oil in early season if severe
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Ferns are generally deer-resistant; use fencing, netting, or repellents for groundcovers if needed
Uses
Fresh Floral Arrangements & Greenery
HouseholdFern fronds add lasting, elegant greenery to cut flower arrangements and dried bouquets. Several native fern varieties hold shape and color for weeks indoors when properly conditioned. [source]
Habitat & Food Source for Native Species
WildlifeNative groundcovers and ferns provide nesting sites, shelter, and food (seeds, berries, insects) for birds, pollinators, beneficial insects, and small mammals. Ferns support specialized insects and fungi critical to forest ecosystems. [source]
Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization
HouseholdDense groundcovers and fern root systems stabilize soil on slopes, in ravines, and along stream banks, reducing runoff and preventing erosion. Native species are adapted to local soil and water conditions. [source]
Traditional Herbal & Folk Medicine Uses
MedicinalSome native ferns (e.g., lady fern, ostrich fern) have been used in traditional herbalism for digestive and anti-inflammatory purposes. Always verify species and consult herbalists before internal use. [source]
Pressed Ferns & Botanical Art
CraftDelicate fern fronds press beautifully for herbals, bookmarks, and botanical crafts. Fronds retain color and structure well when dried under weight. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Ferns and groundcovers are not harvested for consumption; fronds can be cut for fresh arrangements; cut ferns at base with clean shears; leave at least one-third of fronds on plant; harvest in summer to early fall for longest vase life; some native groundcovers produce edible berries (research species)—harvest ripe berries in summer/fall following local regulations
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ferns are ancient plants that predate flowering plants by over 100 million years; fossils show they dominated prehistoric forests and some species are virtually unchanged from their ancestors.
- 🌱 Ferns reproduce via microscopic spores rather than seeds, and a single frond can release millions of spores—one spore can grow into an entire new fern under the right moist conditions.
- 🌱 Native groundcovers and ferns require no fertilizer and minimal maintenance once established, making them far more sustainable and cost-effective than lawns or non-native ornamentals over time.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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