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Christmas Fern
Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. The Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides, occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. It typically grows in a fountain-like clump to 2' tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas. Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. The evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape. These plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae. This fern does not spread but the clumps increase in size over time. Christmas ferns are asymmetrical with a fine texture and has a moderately dense crown. ... additional info
Red Beauty Fern You can use this plant as a groundcover because of its broad habit and fast growth. Place this plant in moist, well-drained, enriched soil. The deeply-dissected, fern-like, medium green leaves have a strong, somewhat spicy aroma that may persist when used in dried arrangements. The upright fronds do not turn green in hot summer weather. Rabbits prefer not to eat on the Red Beauty Fern. Gardening News and Articles |
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