Best outdoor ferns for Quincy Illinois

Question

I am looking for the proper fern that will multiply naturally……send out runners. It is for a shady area.

Answer 1

I think hay scented fern, oak fern and ostrich fern are spreading ferns, once they get established. You probably won't see much spread during the first year.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ostrich-fern/growing-ostrich-ferns.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/...fern/growing-hay-scented-ferns.htm