Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

Christmas Fern is the most reliable evergreen fern in North America — glossy, leathery fronds stay green through winter (hence the name, as they were used for Christmas decorations). Unlike most ferns, it tolerates dry shade once established. The individual leaflets are shaped like Christmas stockings. A tough, beautiful native that belongs in every shade garden.

Hardiness Zones

3-9

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

Low

Mature Size

1-2 ft H × 1-2 ft W

Growth Rate

Moderate

Bloom Season

Non-flowering (evergreen fern)

Bloom Color

Dark green leathery fronds year-round

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade with well-drained soil. More drought-tolerant than most ferns. Old fronds flatten in winter — remove in early spring before new fiddleheads emerge. Clumps slowly increase in size but never become aggressive. Virtually no pests or diseases. The ultimate low-maintenance shade fern.