Native Plant Trust

Polystichum acrostichoides

Christmas fern

The fronds of Christmas fern emerge red in the early spring and mature to a glossy green. This fern is tolerant of dry shade, and is prized as a "solution plant" that has the added bonus of remaining green year-round, shedding the previous year's leaves only once new growth has commenced in the spring.

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Height: 8-16 in
Spread: 12-24 in
Hardiness Zone: 4-9


Bloom Color: Non-Flowering

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Part Shade
Shade
Soil Moisture
Average
Dry
Ecoregion
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
Winter Interest and/or Evergreen
Attracts Wildlife
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Tolerance
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Urban Environment
Drought Tolerant
Additional Attributes
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Massing
Naturalize
Rain Garden


North American Distribution


Christmas fern - Polystichum acrostichoides from Native Plant Trust
Christmas fern - Polystichum acrostichoides from Native Plant Trust
Christmas fern - Polystichum acrostichoides from Native Plant Trust