Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

Dryopteridaceae

Growth Habit

Fern

Propagation

Seed Treatment and Storage: Surface sow spores on sterile moist soil mix in a closed takeout container with clear top. Put under light and keep closed. May take 12 months to get past liverwort look-alike stage (gametophyte).

Biocultural Value

The Cherokee and Haudenosaunee both used Christmas fern extensively, including as an antirheumatic, emetic, and febrifuge. The Malecite and Micmac both chewed the root as a remedy for hoarseness.

Wildlife Value

An aphid (Amphorphora ampullata), sucks plant juices from the Christmas fern and other ferns. White tail deer browse sparingly on the mature fronds in winter, while young fronds may be eaten by upland gamebirds like the ruffed grouse and wild turkey.

Location

Fall Creek Gorge, Fischer Old-growth Forest, Slaterville 600, McDaniel Meadow, Woods, and Swamp, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Polson Preserve, Ringwood Ponds, Steep Hollow Creek, Tarr-Young Preserve, Mundy Wildflower Garden

Cultivation

A 12" tall clumping evergreen fern.

Light: shade to part sun

Moisture and Soil: to dry soil

Description

Fronds 1'- 2' long, evergreen, arching from a slender, much-branched, multiple-crowned rhizome. Blades are once-pinnate, linear, broadest at the base, bearing sori only in the upper 1/3 of the frond, which often falls off after the sori have been shed.

Source of plant

Bluebird Nursery Inc., Shady Oaks Nursery, Bluemount Nurseries, Crownsville Nursery, Sunny Border Nurseries

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

foliage characteristics, winter interest. Many people use the stocking-like shape of this evergreen fern's leaflets to help with identification.