Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)

One of the most dependable evergreen ferns for dry shade, Christmas fern is confirmed deer- and rabbit-resistant, providing genuine winter structure and cover for small wildlife even through the coldest months when most other perennials have gone dormant.

Species Overview

Polystichum acrostichoides, or Christmas fern, is a robust, evergreen fern native to the eastern half of North America, forming vase-shaped clumps of leathery, lance-shaped fronds up to 2 feet tall. Its fronds often stay green right through the holiday season, giving the plant its festive common name, with distinctive small pinnae resembling tiny Christmas stockings.

Application

• Evergreen shade and woodland garden groundcover
• Dry shade plantings - tolerant where many other species struggle
• Deer-pressured woodland sites
• Erosion control on shaded slopes

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Cool, moist, well-drained soil; tolerates dry shade once established
• Plant Type: Fern
• Mature Height: 1-2 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None - evergreen
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Pollinator Value: None significant - a spore-bearing fern with no flowers; reproduces without pollinators.
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry-mesic woodland fern adapted to well-drained soil; not tolerant of standing water.
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant - impressive tolerance of dry shade
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding - fountain-shaped
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)

Planting Guidance

• Rhizomatous but will not spread aggressively or naturalize; clumps simply increase in size over time. Avoid consistently wet or heavy clay soils, which can cause crown rot.