The Male Fern has the scientific name from Latin as "filix" = fern and "mas" = male. It was considered as the male form to the more common Lady Fern (from "filix femina") because it was similar and yet more robust. It is a very thick growing fern with semi-evergreen foliage. The fronds taper at each end. The frond stalks have orange-brown scales. The sori ( spots that produce the spores) are under the leaves in two rows. My Male Ferns are doing well on the east side of the house where the sunshine is strong until early afternoon and the slightly raised soil gets sort of dry in summer, usually. Those nurseries that offer a large selection of perennials usually sell some of this species; not every garden center sells this species. Therefore, it is not commonly planted, but found only occasionally in landscapes; especially landscapes by landscape designers or plant enthusiasts. It is native to most of North America from Newfoundland to British Colombia and from New England to the Pacific Northwest and to Texas, and it is native to Europe where it is more common.

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