Photo of Polystichum acrostichoides foliage by David J. Stang

Photo by David J. Stang

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Buy Polystichum acrostichoides

Also Known As

  • Christmas Fern
  • Dagger Fern

Plant type

fern

size

  • H: 18"-24"
  • W: 18"-24"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

3/4 gallon pot-bare root | $10

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35 at Sebright Gardens

7 bare root plants ($5.00 ea) | $35

Shipping $7.95, free on orders $49.95 & up

4999 at Sunshine Farm and Gardens

10 bare root plants ($4.50 ea) | $45

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5000 at Sunshine Farm and Gardens

15 bare root plants ($4 ea) | $60

Shipping $7.95, free on orders $49.95 & up

4999 at Sunshine Farm and Gardens

20 bare root plants ($3.00 ea) | $70

Shipping $7.95, free on orders $49.95 & up

4995 at Sunshine Farm and Gardens

50 bare root plants ($1.50 ea) | $150

Shipping $7.95, free on orders $49.95 & up

4998 at Sunshine Farm and Gardens

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Polystichum acrostichoides plant details

Polystichum acrostichoides is an evergreen fern with green foliage. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Polystichum acrostichoides

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Uses: bare root shipping available, compact, container plant, larger quantity available, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Polystichum acrostichoides

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A delightful wintergreen North American native, very hardy and attractive all year with dark and glossy-green leathery fronds to 2-3 feet; prefers a shades moist woodland site. PSh/M
Polystichum arcostichoides has bronze new growth in spring. This 1-2 ft. spreading evergreen does well in numerous climates. Sue Olsen in her superb book 'Garden Ferns' says P. arcrostichoides doesn't do well in the Northwest, but does well in colder or hotter climates.
Polystichum acrostichoides is an American fern growing in a fountain-like clump that features silvery, scaled fiddleheads and glossy, leathery, triangular fronds. Evergreen. Ferns thrive in neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil. Excellent for mass plantings, rock gardens, containers, in woodlands and naturalized landscapes.
"This incredibly tough and drought-resistant native fern remains evergreen in winters into Canada. It makes a nice outdoor hardy substitute for Boston Fern." T.S. "Beautiful fern that looks good year round in St. Louis." L.M.S., (comments in www.missouribotanicalgarden.org) This is one tough customer that tolerates a variety of situations, including rabbits, drought, heavy shade, erosion, dry soil and shallow/rocky soil, in addition to being deer-resistant!

By: Deer Country Gardens

The firm deep green leaves of Polystichum acrostichoides make it a great companion for woodland wildflowers. Strongly evergreen, fronds of the Christmas Fern were used by early New England settlers for Christmas decorations. Grows best on well-drained slopes with low to moderate fertility, in neutral to strongly acid soils. Not recommended for rich soils or moist areas. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9.
Perhaps the best fern for growing amongst flowers, the leathery brilliant evergreen fronds and neat upright rosettes, 12" tall are a favorite of mine. Sturdy but non-invasive it prefers alkaline soil but does well on rock and sand.
Polystichum acrostichoides Native American fern in most areas east of the rocky mountains. Looks similar to Boston Fern but is hardy in most locations, from moist areas to dry areas. Grows to a height of 12 tp 18 inches.
This hardy native evergreen fern looks similar to the the house plant, Boston Fern. Cut green leaves are traditionally used in holiday decorations. 24" tall and wide. Recommended by: USNA.

By: Fantastic Plants

An evergreen fern with 1 to 2 foot long, slender, much branched, fern with multiple crowns. Zones 3 - 9. Easy to grow, this is a robust plant. Not too fussy, but is prefers moist woodland but also does well among rocks and or dryish slopes. In gallon pots for

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Semi-upright, arching, polished green, lanceolate fronds with 20-30 pairs of pinnae. Plant in partial sun to full shade & well drained, moist soil. Zones 3 to 9. Size: 12” to 24”. Evergreen.
Commonly known as Christmas Fern, this very popular evergreen is quite robust when grown in rich moist soil, although it is tolerant of drier spots once established. Dark green 2' fronds gracefully arch in ever expanding clumps. Great cut flower fern! Grow in an evenly moist soil in part to full shade.
A hardy evergreen species with arching deep green fronds. The spring croziers are silvery. Excellent in moist, shady areas, but also performs well in rocky soil.

Gardening facts about Polystichum acrostichoides plant

How to Grow Polystichum acrostichoides

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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