Polystichum acrostichoides

A common fern of hardwood forests, less common in acidic sites. One of the easiest ferns to identify due to the "stocking" shape of the leaflets in conjunction with the common name. The fertile fronds are upright arching, while the sterile fronds are more spreading. Evergreen.

Seedling

very young fern fronds
Young fern fronds look nothing like the mature frond or leaflets. (Typical)
Audrey Bowe

Mentioned in Solidago

Plant Information

Common Name(s): 
Christmas Fern
Type: 
Native
Ferns & Fern Allies
Moisture: 
Dry
Moist
Light: 
Part Shade
Shade
"green" in winter
Recommended for gardening

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