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![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, lance-shaped [sterile and nonfertile part of fertile] fronds remain evergreen Pinnae (leaflets) have bristly, toothed edges and 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 Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade Water Requirements: Dry, Moist 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 Excellent Replacement for Hedera helix - English Ivy Liriope spicata - Creeping Lily-Turf developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free, Quarry Shade Garden](https://i0.wp.com/mgnv.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Polystichum-acrostichoidesF2-L.jpg?resize=622%2C1024&ssl=1)
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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