Buy Polystichum aculeatum

Also Known As

Hard Shield Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 24"-36"

planting zones

4a-9b

3/4 gallon pot-bare root | $10

USPS Priority Mail shipping rates

38 at Sebright Gardens

1 gallon bagged root ball | $19

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total

30 at Gossler Farms

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Polystichum aculeatum plant details

Polystichum aculeatum is an evergreen fern with green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in alkaline, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Polystichum aculeatum

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Uses: container plant, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Polystichum aculeatum

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Evergreen sword fern from western Europe will make a soft looking frond. Looks similar to P. setiferum.

By: Gossler Farms

Dramatic 1-3' fronds are bipinnate and a glossy dark-green, bristly with reddish brown scales; uncommon, even in Europe, it prefers steep, damp, shaded lime-rich outcroppings in woodlands and hedgerows. PSh-Sh/M (not dry) w/lime

By: Forestfarm

Polystichum aculeatum, or Hard Shield Fern, is a lovely spreading fern with fronds that emerge green but mature to glossy green. The lance-shaped, upright and arching fronds have a nice, shapely form. Ferns thrive in neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil. Excellent for mass plantings rock gardens, containers, in woodlands and naturalized landscapes.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Strong growing fern with dark green, arching fronds having 25-35 pairs of pinnae with pointed spine tipped pinnules. Plant in afternoon to full shade & well drained, moist slightly alkaline soil. Zones 4 to 9. Size: 2 to 3 feet. Evergreen.