Phegopteris decursive-pinnata

Japanese Beech Fern Thelypteridaceae

Phegopteris decursive-pinnata, the Japanese beech fern, is an elegant deciduous species whose narrow, finely divided fronds have a distinctive winged rachis—the pinnae running into the central stalk rather like green pennants attached to a mast. Its natural range extends across China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and northern Vietnam, with plants recorded from forests, shrublands, hillsides and moist rocky places, particularly in mountainous areas. Flora of China records it from approximately 1,200–3,600m, although other records extend its range to lower elevations. 

In cultivation it is admirably unfussy provided the soil does not become bone dry. Grow in part to full shade in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil, preferably slightly acidic to neutral. It spreads slowly by short rhizomes and makes a refined woodland groundcover without becoming a fernish thug. Deciduous, it disappears for winter before returning with fresh, pale green fronds in spring.

Altitude: 1,200–3,600m
Hardiness: H6, approximately −20 to −15°C
Height: 30–60cm
Spread: 30–60cm