Perennial of the Month-- January 2004 
Perennial of the Month-- January 2004
(a-thear' ee-um nip-pon' i-cum pic' tum) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)
Common name: Wildwood Twist Japanese Painted Fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Height x width: 12-18" x 12-18"
Growth rate: moderate
Fronds: smoky gray and green, slightly twisted (hence the name)
Sori: along veins of pinnules in herringbone pattern as for genus
Hardiness: zones 4-7
Soil: moist, organic, does not tolerate dry
Light: part to full shade
Pests and Problems: none serious
Landscape habit, uses: to add color to shade gardens, combinations with other perennials; combines well with lungwort, variegated solomon's seal, foamflower, hostas
Other interest: species native to Japan, very popular variety and cultivars; may be listed as A.n. var. pictum; hybrid of A. nipponicum and A. otophorum, but more similar to former; one of several newer cultivars listed in PSS123 notes
Other culture: low mainenance
Propagation: spring or fall division, spores
Sources: commercially from Terra Nova (2004), retail stores listed there; or check local specialty perennial nurseries