W. A. TOOLE, BARABOO, WISCONSIN 3 
Wisconsin Native Ferns 
There is something about the quiet beauty and graceful form of our wild 
ferns that holds an attraction for us even though they lack brilliantly colored 
flowers. Hardy ferns are being used a great deal for planting in shaded spots 
in the home garden and the rock garden as well as for shaded borders or 
woodland paths. 
Do not plant ferns with much covering over the crowns, just enough to 
anchor them to the soil. The Ostrich Fern should be set with part of the crown 
above the soil. All of the ferns are adapted to both spring and fall planting, 
though late spring or summer planting of the larger varieties requires extra 
care in providing constant moisture until the roots are established. If planted 
in the fall, mulch with leaves or straw for protection over the first winter. If 
planted during the growing season and the tops become broken or bruised, cut 
them off and new fronds will soon appear. 
Most all ferns require a plentiful supply of leaf mold, peat or other loose 
humus in the soil to give the best results. Ferns have a tendency to ripen off 
early in the season if the summer is very hot and dry. Frequent and plentiful 
watering will extend their season very materially. 
While some ferns will endure and even thrive in sun if provided with 
sufficient moisture, all varieties seem to enjoy a measure of protection from 
bright sunlight, varying: from light shade at mid-day with such varieties as 
Pellaea, Cheilanthes and Rusty Woodsia to the dense shadows of heavy forests 
enjoyed by the Maidenhair Fern. 
In the limited space of a catalog it is not possible to go into extensive details, 
so if you have any special problems with your Wild Flowers or Ferns or Native 
Shrubs, just feel free to write me and I will glady help you if I can.—W. A. Toole. 
BRITTLE FERN Cystopteris fragilis 
Delicately cut fronds up to twelve inches long. For the shaded moist rock 
garden. 12 for $2.00; Each 25c. 
BULBLET FERN Cystopteris bulbifera 
Long narrow graceful fronds up to 24 inches long. Tiny little bulblets on the 
back of the fronds drop off to start new plants. Shade and good humus soil. 
100 for $10.00; 12 for $2.00; Each 25c. 
CHRISTMAS FERN Polystichum achrosticoides 
Evergreen fern with dark green, leathery fronds. Enjoys fairly heavy shade 
and rich humus soil. An excellent kind for growing indoors. 100 for $15.00; 12 
for $2.50; Hach 25c. 
CINNAMON FERN Osmunda cinnamomea 
A tall attractive fern that thrives where the soil is moist. Fine for stream 
side planting. Foliage good until fall. 100 for $15.00; 12 for $2.50; Each 25c. 
CLIFF-BRAKE, PURPLE Pellaea atropurpurea 
Beautiful blue-green leathery fronds on dark purple stems up to 12 inches. 
Likes well-drained sandy soil and light shade. 100 for $15.00; 12 for $2.50; Each 
25¢c. 
CRESTED FERN Dryopteris cristata 
Grows in wet woods but transplants readily to other soils. Long narrow 
bright green frond. Sterile fronds evergreen. 100 for $12.00; 12 for $2.00; Each 
25¢. 
GOLDIE-FERN Dryopteris Goldiana 
A dark green wide frond to three feet. Stands out among other ferns with 
distinction. From rich woods. 12 for $2.50; Each 25c. 
HAY-SCENTED FERN Dennstedtia punctilobula 
We are listing this Eastern fern which does not occur in Wisconsin because 
we believe it to be the best for a ground cover in poor soil and open sun. It 
forms those generous clumps you may have seen in New England pastures. 
Graceful light green fronds with the fragrance of new-mown hay. 100 for $15.00; 
12 for $2.50; Each 25c. 
