Christmas Fern

Scientific name

Polystichum acrostichoides

Description

The Christmas Fern is a hardy evergreen fern which can withstand a variety of environmental conditions. It is one of the most common ferns within North America. This species produces robust, leathery, lace-like leaves which grow in a fountain like clump and persist throughout the winter. Silvery and scaled fiddleheads emerge early in the spring. This fern rarely exceeds heights of half a meter and is a popular fern species to utilize in landscaping due to its year-round colour. This fern is often planted for restoration applications due to its ability to conserve soil and control erosion.

Planting conditions

Can be planted in a range of soil types and moisture levels. Prefers partial sun or shade. Can grow on shallow soil and steep slopes.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Fern
• Height:
  • 0.5 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m