Athyrium is a large genus of nearly 200 ferns from around the northern hemisphere, including the well-known and widespread lady fern, Athyrium felix-femina. They are mainly quite large, making clumps of classic fern-shaped leaves, and flourish in cool, rather shady conditions. They die back in winter to a large dormant 'bud', but the rusty brown foliage is attractive even then. Ideally it should be cut off before the new fronds emerge in spring.

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum is grown for it's foliage which has a silvery feel dashed with a little pink.