Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides
Yes Phase 1 ยท Anchors & quick wins Ferns
โ˜€ Light
Shade to part shade
๐Ÿ’ง Water
Moist to average
๐Ÿ“ Mature size
1โ€“2 ft
๐ŸŒธ Bloom / interest
โ€”
๐Ÿƒ Foliage
Evergreen
๐ŸŒŽ Native
Yes
๐ŸฆŒ Deer
Resistant
๐Ÿ›’ How many
Many โ€” 15+

Why we want it

The evergreen native fern workhorse โ€” green all winter, holds banks against erosion, and asks for nothing.

Where it goes in our yard

Everywhere: banks, path edges, between shrubs, slope stabilization.

Planting & care

Tough and drought-tolerant once established. Cut old fronds in late winter before new growth.

What to buy

Straight species; buy in quantity for mass effect.

Sourcing

Native nurseries; often available bare-root in bulk.

Read more at NC State Extension โ†’