The giant wood fern or Goldie's wood fern is the largest of the Dryopteris ferns that are native to eastern north America where it thrives in moist, protected woodlands. This fern can grow to about 4 feet high and 6 feet wide with long dark green gracefully arching fronds. It is tolerant of deep shade and spreads slowly once established. The giant wood fern would provide height and drama to a shade border or as an understory in a shade garden.