Landscape Uses
This fern is low-growing and is most often used as an accent plant.  It adds tropical appeal to shady landscapes.  It is suitable for covering large areas, or as a backdrop for a flowering shade plant.  It performs best in areas where the soil doesn't dry out and where it receives dappled shade.

Propagation
Dividing the crown.

Special Notes
Be sure to watch for the emerging fronds.  They are copper-red.  The fronds will eventually turn autumn green.

Fun Facts
Dryopteris erythrosora aptly describes this plant.  Dryopteris comes from the Greek, dryads meaning a wood nymph, and pteris meaning fern.  Erythrosora translates as "red sori", referring to spores underneath the leaflets.