This narrowed statuesque form with slightly ruffled ovate pinnules makes a striking statement in the border or woodland vista. One of the most striking things about this fern is the negative space between the pinnules (leaflets). Because the margins of the lobes curve upward, it appears almost as though there are little circles of blank space between each segment that light can shine through, making it seem almost as if it is holding small floating beads aloft among its fronds. As with Dryopteris x complexa 'Stableri', this fern also makes excellent trellis for floppy companion plants that need support.  John Mickel reports that 'Barnesii' gets three feet tall with four inch wide fronds for east coast gardeners in his invaluable book Ferns for American Gardens.

Frond Condition: Sub-evergreen
Mature Height: 3-4'
Origin: England
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones: 5, 6 ,7, 8, 9