Polystichum acrosticoides (Christmas Fern)

Size: 1.5-2’ tall / 1-2’ wide

Sun: Part Shade to Full Shade

Soil: Well-Drained, Dry-Medium, Rich 

Bloom Time: Foliar Interest / Evergreen

Deer Resistance: 5/5

Ecotype: Unknown

The Christmas Fern is one of a few evergreen ferns native to Virginia. While it prefers sites with moist-medium soils, it does surprisingly well in drier shade as well, and it is often found growing on well-drained, wooded slopes. The dark green fronds are attractive in the fall, surrounded by freshly fallen leaves, and will persist through the winter. The fronds might seem worn and tattered towards the end of winter, but the plant will send up fresh new growth once spring arrives. 

While the Christmas Fern doesn't provide much in the way of food, its evergreen nature makes it a valuable ground cover, protecting the soil and sheltering insects, some birds, and other small animals. It is a larval host plant for the Serpentine Webworm moth. During harsh winters, when there is little left to eat, deer might consume the evergreen fronds out of desperation. This is rare and shouldn't be a concern; the fern will come back just fine in the spring. It is also reported that young fronds are sometime eaten by wild turkeys and grouses.