Polystichum acrostichoides
Christmas Fern
General
A perennial evergreen fern native to eastern North America. It features distinctive fronds that are dark green, leathery, and lance-shaped, reaching lengths of up to 2 feet. This fern thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands, rocky slopes, and moist shaded areas, providing year-round greenery and contributing to the biodiversity of its natural habitats.
Plant Description
Characterized by its elegant, lance-shaped fronds that radiate symmetrically from a central crown. These fronds, which can grow up to 2 feet in length, feature a glossy dark green coloration and distinctive pinnae (leaflets) arranged in a neat, alternating pattern. Christmas fern's robust and evergreen nature adds a touch of verdant beauty to woodland landscapes throughout the seasons.
Height (ft)
1-2 ft
Soil moisture
Moist to dry
Soil types
Well-drained, loamy or sandy loam
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Partial to Full Shade
Bloom color
Orange to brown
Bloom period
Late spring to early summer
Drought tolerance
Moderate
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Found from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, south to Florida, and westward to eastern Texas. This fern species is particularly common in the Appalachian Mountains and the eastern deciduous forests.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, this fern has been used by the Iroquois, Cherokee and Micmac to treat rheumatism, stomachaches, pneumonia, and for sore throats.