Polystichum acrostichoides / Christmas Fern (Wood Fern Familiy)

This no-fuss fern grows best in well-drained, rich soils in part to full shade. It is clump forming and will not spread much over time. Newly emerging fiddleheads have a bright silver, fuzzy look. Make sure to keep crowns above the soil line, as they can rot if they become buried or receive too much moisture. Christmas Fern is often used for erosion control on steep banks. The name comes from the stocking or sleigh shaped leaflets.

Leaves: Up to 2’ long, leathery, silvery fiddleheads in the spring, evergreen
Height: 1.5-2.5’
Space: 1.5-2.5’
Soil: Slightly moist to average, lots of organic matter, good drainage
Exposure: Part shade-Full shade
Fauna: Provides habitat in winter
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 3-9
Native Status: NC native, common across the state
Provenance: North Carolina Ecotype, asexually produced