#2 Gallon
The Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is a graceful, deciduous, hardy perennial (Zones 3-8) known for its feathery, light green, lace-like fronds and upright, vase-shaped habit. It typically grows 2-5 feet tall and thrives in moist, rich, shady to part-shade environments, making it a popular, low-maintenance, and non-aggressive choice for shade gardens, woodland settings, and erosion control on slopes. It is highly adaptable to drier soils compared to other ferns and is generally ignored by deer. 
Key Characteristics and Appearance
Fronds: The delicate, lacy fronds are lance-shaped and finely divided (2-3 pinnate), reaching 1-3 feet in length.
Stems (Stipes): The stems are commonly green, but often feature red or purple hues.
Form: It grows in a dense, clump-forming, vase-shaped habit.
Spread: It spreads slowly via rhizomes, making it non-invasive. 
Growth Requirements
Light: Full shade to partial shade is ideal. It can handle more sun if moisture is abundant.
Soil: Prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil, but is relatively adaptable to drier conditions once established.
Hardiness: Very cold hardy (Zones 3-8). 
Benefits and Uses
Landscaping: Ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, and along streams or ponds.
Erosion Control: Suitable for planting on shady, moist slopes.
Low Maintenance: Requires little care; deer resistant.
Traditional Uses: Historically used for covering food, as bedding, and medicinal purposes by Native American tribes.