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Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Evergreen FernChristmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Part – Full Shade
Water
Dry – Moist
Soil
Rich, Loam
Size
1-2'
Foliage
Evergreen
Why Grow It
Deer Resistant
Great for gardens without fencing
Rabbit Resistant
Won't be browsed by rabbits
Winter Interest
Beautiful structure in the cold months
Did You Know?
Named because its fronds stay green through Christmas — one of very few evergreen ferns.
Each leaflet is shaped like a tiny Christmas stocking, complete with a little "toe" at the base.
Colonists used the fronds as holiday decorations when fresh greenery was scarce in winter.
Wildlife Value
🐦
Winter Cover
Evergreen fronds shelter small birds and amphibians even in deep winter
🐸
Salamander Habitat
Dense root crowns and moist conditions attract woodland salamanders
Good Companions
🌿 Wild Ginger
⭐ Foam Flower
🌸 Wild Blue Phlox
Planting Guide
- Plant in part to full shade in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Space 18″ apart; clumps expand slowly over the years
- Leave old fronds in place — they protect new fiddleheads emerging in spring
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li