Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Found growing naturally in in rich rocky woods, along stream banks, in swamps or thickets to a height of 2 to 3 feet in a fountain-like form.  The fern produces black spores on the underside of the leaf but not all fronds are fertile.  The fertile fronds are narrower at the tip.  Curled fiddleheads of new leaves emerge silvery in the spring.

Best grown in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. The clumps will increase in size over time, but does not tend to spread easily.   In mass plantings, can be used to combat soil erosion on slopes.  It provides winter cover near the ground for songbirds who also use parts and scale-like hairs in nest construction.

Crown rot problems can occur in poorly drained soils, particularly in the winter.

3 bare root crowns for $15

_{Photo credit: Don Cameron via GoBotany/Native Plant Trust}