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Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

Other common name(s):

Family:

Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Fern

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

0.5
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Rocky, Acid, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

No Bloom

Bloom Season

No Bloom

Seasonal Interest

Unknown

Wildlife Benefit

Unknown

Maintenance

Does not tolerate clay soils or standing water. Stressed in too much sun. Must be kept moist, cool and shaded. Propagation: Root division, Spores.

Comments

Chistmas Fern got its name because it stays green right through the holiday season. It is a leathery fern which has green fronds year-round. Christmas Fern is very easy to establish and grow where conditions are right. Attracts Ruffed Grouse.

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 105. 3) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POAC4. 4) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Polystichum+acrostichoides&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 5) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=9539&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 6) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=17675#null

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State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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