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Japanese painted fern and Sensitive fern: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Japanese painted fern Athyrium niponicum	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis
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Native range
Eastern Asia	Central & E. Canada to N., Central & E. U.S.A., SE. Siberia to Japan and China.See state guides
Sunlight
Part to full shade	Shade
Soil moisture
Moist, rich, well-drained soil	Moist to wet / Average moisture
Mature height
1½–2 ft	1–2 ft
Mature spread
1½–2 ft	2–3 ft
USDA hardiness zones
4–9	2–10
Season of interest
Spring–fall foliage	Seasonal foliage
Garden & wildlife value
Not listed in the source profile; this fern has no flowers or nectar.	Native fern colonies provide low cover for woodland wildlife.
Growing notes
Slowly expands into a clump. Light shade brings out the frond colors; strong sun can wash them out.	Needs consistent moisture and shelter from drying winds; fronds die back with frost.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: Kew

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.