This fern changes its form when disturbed by early frosts or by hot weather in spring. This leads to various leaf forms. In the fall, this fern is one of the first to lose its leaves. It also prefers a moist environment. Shield ferns will generally tolerate more drought and have a more lacy appearance to the leaf.
Shield ferns are what define our definition of a fern leaf or frond.
There are more than 100 varieties of shield ferns in the commercial trade, ranging in height from two feet to four feet. The leaf color is generally a lighter green to hunter green, and tend to grow in a vase shape of fronds. They have a fuller, coarser leaf, with less cutting in the fronds. There are several hundred varieties in the commercial trade, and six native species. Royal ferns can grow up to six feet in height, and generate many fronds.