Dryopteris remota, commonly known as Scaly Buckler Fern or Scaly Male Fern, is a semi-deciduous perennial fern that thrives in the understory of moist deciduous forests, often near streams or in shaded, damp areas across Eurasia. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), featuring triangular fronds with a delicate texture and a scaly appearance on the stipe and rachis. The fronds are green and can add a soft, feathery element to shaded garden areas. Flowering is not applicable to ferns, but the plant’s foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, with some fronds persisting through mild winters.

The Scaly Buckler Fern is valued for its lush foliage and adaptability to shaded garden settings, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as an understory plant in larger landscapes. It requires consistently moist soil, rich in organic matter, and benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture. While it prefers part shade to full shade, it can tolerate some morning sun if kept adequately moist. This fern is generally low-maintenance, but gardeners should watch for common fern pests such as aphids and scale insects. It is not known for aggressive growth or invasiveness, making it a reliable choice for controlled cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0