Living in the Dunes
In partnership with
NORTH CHAPTER
Christmas fern
Polystichum acrostichoides (Michx.) Schott
Family: Dryopteridaceae (Wood fern family)
Duration: Perennial
Height: 30-75 cm (1-2.5 ft)
Species Present and Native
Stem: erect and covered in brown scales diminishing in size as they move up the plant.
Leaves: fronds are dimorphic meaning that the fertile fronds are separate from non-fertile fronds. The fertile fronds are longer than the non-fertile fronds and have sori on the top of the leaflets that cover the whole bottom.
Sun: Part shade to shade
SOURCES & FURTHER RESOURCES:
Flora of North America - Polystichum acrostichoides
Friends of the Wild Flower Garden - Christmas fern
Comments: It is unsure where the common name has come from but it is thought that it is derived from it being evergreen during Christmas.
Etymology: The name Polystichum comes from the greek words, poly and stichos meaning "many rows" referring to its sori. The specific epithet refers to the resemblance of the fern to a tropical fern called Acrostichum. The Latin word -oides means "looks like".
Landscape: As a gorgeous fern, it fulfills the landscape need of shade tolerant plants as well as a smaller size. The glossy green color holds throughout the winter.
