Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Polystichum acrostichoides (Michx.) Schott
Christmas fern
Dryopteridaceae (Wood Indies-Almond Family)
Chistmas
fern got its name because it stays green right through the holiday season. It is a robust, leathery
fern which has glossy, green fronds year-round. The fronds grow in clusters from a crownless rootstock and range from 1-2 ft. in length. Fertile fronds are taller. The once-divided fronds with pointed
pinnae result in a medium to coarse texture. The silvery fiddleheads emerge in early spring.
Christmas
fern is very easy to establish and grow where conditions are right. It requires cool, moist, well-drained soil in shade. In the right spot, it can be a good,
evergreen border or accent plant. Though often used as a groundcover, it is a clumping
fern, not forming a continuous, undifferentiated carpet the way some ferns do.
Image Gallery:
5 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Fern Leaf Retention: Evergreen Size Notes: Normally 1.5 to 2 feet, occasionally 3 feet tall.
Leaf: Dark green
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC Native Distribution: N.S. to extreme s.e. MN, s. to c. FL, e. TX, and Mexico. Zones 5 to 10
Native Habitat: Rich, rocky woods; stream banks; swamps; thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, acid, humus-rich soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Acid-based. Best in rocky or sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Does not tolerate clay soils or standing water. It must have good drainage. Gets stressed in too much sun, becoming pale and stunted. It must be kept moist, cool, and shaded.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Borders, accents, and groundcovers
Use Wildlife: Attracts Ruffed Grouse
Interesting Foliage: yes
Last Update: 2012-10-03
