Description
Polystichum acrostichoides
CT DR
Soil: Fertile, Humusy, Well-drained
Moisture: Average
Light: Part Sun to Shade
Plant Height: 1 to 2 feet
Plant Width: 1 to 2 feet
Pests: None
Landscape Value: Great in rocky woodlands. Makes a good accent or border plant in shade gardens. Good in shady areas along walls or foundations. Provides good winter interest. Makes a good companion for spring-blooming bulbs. Useful for erosion control.
Easy to grow! A clump-forming fern with leathery, dark green, evergreen fronds. Leaf divisions (pinnae) are stocking shaped. Fronds are semi-erect until the first killing frost, after which they lie prostrate. Clumps increase in size over time, but plants will not spread. Silvery, white-scaled fiddleheads emerge in the spring. Plant in well-drained soils to avoid crown rot problems. If planting in damp areas, plant at an angle and slightly above the soil line. Prevents soil erosion on slopes when planted en masse. Tolerates dry soil, shallow-rocky soil, heavy shade, black walnut, rabbits, and drought, once established. Very cold hardy.
5-pint pot
Photo credits:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (photos by Stephan Bloodworth, Sally and Andy Wasowski)
North Carolina State Extension (photo by Kristyna Culp)
