Polystichum acrostichoides

Christmas Fern

Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) forms lasting clumps of arching evergreen fronds. Silvery young fiddleheads open in spring, while the established foliage brings structure to shaded beds and wooded slopes.

Its structure combines arching stems and clumping growth. Growth is moderate. The foliage supplies a year-round framework.

Choose a partly to fully shaded site. Provide acidic, well-drained soil and maintain even moisture. Allow the clumps to expand gradually in an undisturbed shaded bed.

Size
• Height: 1-3 ft
• Width: 1-3 ft

Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Best Uses
• Accent Plant
• Border
• Mass Planting
• Container
• Woodland Gardens

Plant type

Fern, Perennial

Height

1-3 ft

Width

1-3 ft

Hardiness zones

3a–9b

Sunlight

Part shade to full shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Does not flower

Flower color

None

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Songbirds

Soil

Acidic, Loamy, Moist well-drained, Rocky, Sandy

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Arching, Clumping, Upright

Fruit

No

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No