ATHYRIUM. It is impossible to give a general description of this immense, world-traveling group of ferns, except in terms of interest only to a botanist. However, many are individually quite distinct. The following are especially desirable as ornamentals and are easily cultured. Light to medium shade almost anywhere for best appearance, non-alkaline soil, constant moisture. Hardy to 10oF or less.
filix-femina. Lady fern. An elegant California (and northern hemisphere, generally) native with a stout above-ground rhizome, eventually forming a short trunk. Lacy 3-6', apple-green fronds rise in symmetrical whorls in spring and summer.
nipponicum (goeringianum) var. pictum. Painted fern. Those who are not intimidated by the botanical name will find this an uncommonly beautiful small fern. It has a compact, profusely branched rhizome from which lacy, arching 6-12" fronds arise in spring and summer. The stalks are reddish, while the blades combine markings of silvery grey, dark green and purple, becoming almost solidly maroon before dying down in early winter. A fine subject for containers, and a small scale ground cover for the open shade garden.