Buy Polystichum aculeatum

Also Known As

Hard Shield Fern

Plant type

fern

size

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

planting zones

4a-9b

Mature Division--Bare Root | $12

Ships as soon as new growth is hardened off

Fewer than 25 at Sebright Gardens

1 gallon bagged root ball | $21

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total.

30 at Gossler Farms

More Options

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

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

is an evergreen sword fern from western Europe will make a soft looking frond. Looks similar to P. setiform.

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.