Description

Common Name: Christmas fern

Type: Fern

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Native Range: Eastern North America

Zone: 3 to 9

Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet

Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet

Bloom Time: Non-flowering

Bloom Description: Non-flowering

Sun: Part shade to full shade

Water: Dry to medium

Maintenance: Low

Leaf: Evergreen

Other: Winter Interest

Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Heavy Shade, Erosion, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil

Garden locations

Culture

Best grown in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Consider planting rhizome at an angle to help combat potential crown rot problems which can occur in poorly drained soils. Although rhizomatous, this fern will not spread or naturalize, however clumps will increase in size over time.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Christmas fern is a Missouri native fern which occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. Typically grows in a fountain-like clump to 2′ tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas. Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. Evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot in poorly drained soils can be a problem, particularly in winter.

Garden Uses

Dryish or moist soils in woodland gardens, shade gardens or shady areas of borders, wild or native plant gardens. May also be planted in shady areas along walls or foundations. A good plant for massing on slopes (including dryish, rocky ones) to help combat soil erosion.