I'm watching this thread with great interest...

Holly ferns are the most reliable here, that I have found. They say that wood ferns will also do ok, but I have concerns about that.

Most any other type of fern is going to prefer humidity, which we don't have, after June, in zone 8.

Southern fern is a spreader.

Why would you want to spread something invasive? You might like it in your yard but I doubt your neighbors are going to like it when it takes over the neighborhood!

You mean like bermuda grass?

The native wood ferns are very hardy and will spread. Maybe that's what you're looking for. Carrie has it in sun and shade.

Here is a link that might be useful: Native wood ferns

Carrie's ferns are gorgeous! Maybe she'll post some pictures of them in the gallery?

/prod

I recommend Lindheimer Shield Fern. It is a Texas Native and spreads every year. Very sturdy (meaning my kids destroy it by walking on it, and it pops back up and spreads with some rain). It does go dormant in the winter. I also have Boston Fern growing in a shady area. Very fast spreader. It also goes dormant in the winter. Easy to rip out if it goes where you don't want it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lindheimer Shield Fern