Dryopteris affinis Crispa Gracilis

(aka: Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata') Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' is a charming dwarf semi-evergreen form of the widespread European native golden-scaled male fern, selected in the UK around 1880. The small rock garden-sized clumps, to 8" tall x 8" wide, are composed of narrow, upright, tightly congested (like my nose in pollen season) fronds, each with upturned tips. Since Dryopteris 'Crispa Gracilis' is so small and well-behaved, be sure to site it away from larger aggressive neighbors who might try to smother it when you aren't looking.