Additional Information about Polystichum acrostichoides

While not as showy as some others, Christmas fern makes up for its lack of show with its neat habit, easy culture, and its lustrous, nearly evergreen leaves. Polystichum acrostichoides is often used in Christmas floral arrangements because it is one of the few plants still attractive in December. Christmas fern grows up to 2’ tall and equally as wide, it can be commonly found in the wild in loose colonies or as a single plant. We find it to be a wonderful companion for spring blooming bulbs and it is a lovely evergreen groundcover, especially in difficult shady spots with rocky soil and along slopes.

Polystichum acrostichoides can be found from northern Canada all the way to Florida and as far west as Texas and Kansas. It prefers acidic to neutral soils on shaded slopes and well drained flats in part shade to full shade. Christmas fern is very adaptable and can tolerate shady rich soils as well as poor soil with limestone bedrock close to the surface. It is very commonly found in deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region and once established, Christmas fern tolerates periods of drought.

Unless deer are desperate, Polystichum acrostichoides is very deer resistant as well as rabbit resistant, and a pleasing choice in shady locations for the woodland garden or as foundation planting. When planted en masse, Polystichum acrostichoides helps prevent soil erosion on slopes. In damp areas, planting the fern at an angle and slightly above the soil line can help with crown rot. Like most ferns, Polystichum acrostichoides has limited relationships with insects and animals, mostly providing habitat for smaller creatures and the leaves providing some forage for leaf-sucking insects.

BONAP Map

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Polystichum acrostichoides

Grow in part or full shade in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water well on planting and regularly until established. Drought tolerant.