Synonyms/ Also Sold As:  Mossy, Dense, or Plumose Soft Shield Fern

Historically there are a number of highly divided soft shield ferns known collectively as the plumose divisilobes which are now considered to be more characteristically plumose multilobes. The major differences between the sections concerns the shape of the pinnules, the texture, and the density of the foliage. The major contributors to our present day progeny of plumose-multilobes were bred in the 1880's and were known then as 'Plumoso-dvisilobum densum', 'Plumoso-divisiloubm Esplan, and 'Plumoso-divisilobum Pearson'. Although a few bulbil progeny may still be extant (see Rickard's "Plant Finders Guide to Hardy Ferns") from these forms, now considered to be in the plumose multilobe section, most of what we have todAy are from selected sporling progeny which in turn are producing bulbils for further vegetative production. Although each of the three named forms was distinctive in its day we can generalize as to the appearance of a good 'Plumoso-multilobum' today. Plants vary from slightly arching, to spreading, or almost horizontal in habit with the two foot fronds being a foot or more in width. The overall shape of the blade can be almost triangular in appearance and up to five times divided or "quinquepinnate" as the astute Charles Druery (famous Victorian author and grower) would say. The pinnae on the lower half of the fronds resemble fronds themselves with wide overlapping pinnules. The pinnules themselves are much exaggerated into wide triangular very divided segments. The overall texture is soft with the exuberance of growth building up into a dense mossy pile an inch or more in thickness. In comparison a true plumose divisilobe has wide overlapping growth that is more open and airy with a semi-hard texture. The pinnules are very long and fully divided up to the third and fourth degree but with space in between the segments.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  12-30"
Origin:  England
Cultural Requirements:  Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8