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colorful fall leaves of rhus aromatica
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Lo’ (Fragrant Sumac) Photo © Mary Free
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Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)

Evergreen fronds of Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) emerge from melting snow cover at the Small Space Garden in January.
Ramenta covering the emerging fiddleheads of Polystichum acrostichoides
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) fiddleheads emerging and unfurling in April.
Sterile pinnae of Polystichum acrostichoides
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) in May. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2018-05-20, Glencarlyn Library Community Garden.
Fertile pinnae of Polystichum acrostichoides
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) in June at Charlotte Botanical Gardens.
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) in October. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2015-10-25, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
Evergreen fronds of Polystichum acrostichoides(Christmas fern) on Christmas Day at Bon Air Park's Quarry Shade Garden.

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Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Christmas Fern is a forever plant, a lifetime fern with beautiful leathery lance-shaped fronds growing in arching, circular clusters from the crown. The common name is derived from its evergreen nature and from the shape of its pinnae which suggest Christmas stockings. This native is common throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Fern Spring Fiddleheads, Fertile Pinnae, Clump Height: 1⁄2–2 feet Spread: 1–2 feet Bloom Color: Non-flowering Characteristics Evergreen perennial in circular, cascading clump Silvery, scaled fiddleheads emerge in spring Dark green, leathery, lanceolate, pinnate [sterile & nonfertile part of fertile] fronds remain evergreen Alternate, bristly-toothed pinnae (leaflets) have distinguishing “stocking” or “ear-like” lobe Spore-bearing sori form on undersides of the smaller pinnae on upper third of fertile fronds Clumps increase in size over time Attributes Tolerates dry soil, dense shade, drought, rabbits; dislikes clay soil and standing water; no serious pests or diseases; deer rarely damage Therapeutic uses Good winter interest Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained Excellent Replacement for Cyrtomium falcatum - Japanese Holly Fern Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade Hedera helix - English Ivy Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Liriope spicata - Creeping Liriope Plant rhizome at an angle to aid in preventing crown rot in poorly drained soils during winter Use as an accent, under trees, along shaded foundations/walls, in rain, rock or woodland gardens, or en masse on banks to control erosion Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free, Quarry Shade Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)

Christmas Fern is a forever plant, a lifetime fern with beautiful leathery lance-shaped fronds growing in arching, circular clusters from the crown. The common name is derived from its evergreen nature and from the shape of its pinnae which suggest Christmas stockings. This native is common throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets