Athyrium

Lady ferns are deciduous, with quite thin-to-the-touch fronds, in contrast to many others. Excellent for a shady border, nearer to the front. Fronds are pinnate to tripinnate, off creeping rhizomes. Although less vigorous than other fern groups, there are more cultivated forms around which have been bred for colour and patterns on the fronds, with pinks, purple and silver in effect.

In common with most ferns, lady ferns have few specific wildlife attributes although their tussocky growth-form does provide cover for invertebrates in all seasons except mid-winter. However there is one British moth, small angle-shades, whose larvae specialize in feeding upon this fern.