Christmas Ferns - Polystichum acrostichoides

The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is an easy to maintain and vigorous fern native to eastern North America. This fern is a popular fern among gardeners and it makes a great companion for other shade loving plants in the garden or woodland setting.

 An evergreen fern that was named this from maintaining its rich green color throughout the winter months, including being one of the only native ferns green during Christmas. It can grow up to at least 2 ft tall and has beautiful fronds that unravel from the center of the rhizome like party horns. This fern is ideal for sharing garden space with perennials as it forms confined clumps with time but will not spread or overtake other plants in the garden.

Information & Care Guide

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3–9

Light Requirement: Partial shade to full shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 1-2 ft

Spread: 2 ft

Growth Rate: Moderate

Bloom Time: NA

Flower Color: NA

Wildlife Value: Provides year-round cover for small wildlife

In the spring, new and delicate fiddleheads, also called croziers, emerge. These delightful fiddleheads are silvery in color due to the fine hairs that cover the entirety of the new emergence. Once unfurled, the under part of the of the last third of the fertile frond’s pinnae will be covered in sori.

The fronds of the beautiful Christmas Fern are strikingly bright which is even more prominent against the back drop of white snow. This fern provides greenery during the long winter months and overall garden charm to the understory, year-round.

Why Gardener's Love Native Ferns

This fern is virtually pest and disease-free and easy to maintain. It usually grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter with dry to medium moisture content. It loves shade and will be happy situated in a marginal forest area or on the north side of the house. They are also quite appropriate for amassing on slope or hills to add extra texture to the landscape.

Are Christmas Fern's Edible?

No, they are not toxic or poisonious to animals or humans but they are not edible like fiddlehead ferns or other types.

Do Christmas Fern Spread?

They do spread but not aggressive with more of a clump-like appearance.

This evergreen and charming fern will keep your winter bright with greenery while you wait for the spring time bloom. Shop for the Christmas Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Christmas Fern Good For Shade or Sun?

 It thrives in shaded areas with some filtered sun.

Does Christmas Fern Stay Green year Round?

Yes and no. In very cold zones it will loose most foliage. In zines 6-9 Is will stay green year round.

Where is The Best Place to Plant Christmas Fern?

 In full or partial shade and in moist soil that has good drainage.

Add Year-Round Cover With Native Ferns

The fronds of Christmas fern are distinctive for their lustrous, dark green coloration. The crownless rootstock produces clusters of fronds that can be anywhere from one to two feet in length. Wintertime sees the delicate, light-green leaves changing color from green to golden. Christmas ferns are great for covering uneven terrain, since they spread slowly from dormant rhizomes and develop in clusters.

Add Vibrant Colors During the Winter With Christmas Ferns

This fern favorite keep it's greenery throughout the year so they can start photosynthesis earlier. The presence of chlorophyll indicates the photosynthesis process is underway, as the color green indicates. These plants do not flower. They are spore-borne rather than gametophytic. They do boast verdant foliage from April to the first frost; these silvery green baby fronds, known as fiddleheads, emerge in the early spring as new leaves.

It Protects the Yard From Soil Erosion 

When Christmas ferns are in full foliage in winter, they press down on fallen leaves to hasten their decomposition and provide nutrients to the soil. This goes a long way in protecting the yard against soil erosion. Another way these plants stop soil erosion is by using their root systems to bind the soil together. Plus, ferns, when planted firmly in the ground, create thick barriers made of stems that reduce the rate at which water flows through them.

Excellent for Creating Natural Landscapes 

A lot of people like to plant Christmas ferns in their yards because of the texture and foliage they provide. They do a great job at creating natural-looking landscapes. The fact that they are hardy enough to survive light snowfall and cold makes them perfect for winter gardening.

They can also tolerate a wide range of soil types and flourish in partly shady or entirely shaded locations. Birds, insects and even small mammals may find food and refuge under Christmas ferns. The dense vegetation provides great cover for ground-dwelling species. The ferns conceal prey from predators by shading other animals and invertebrates that feed on the ground.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 2 Feet

Care

Christmas Ferns are low-maintenance and thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the dirt always moist but not waterlogged. They benefit from occasional applications of compost and should be kept free of debris to prevent disease. Prune dead fronds as necessary.

Plant Reproduction

Christmas Fern spreads via rhizomes and spores, forming dense clumps

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Fern Rhizomes

Bare root fern rhizomes are easy to plant and bring lush, woodland beauty to shaded or partially shaded areas. To begin, soak the rhizomes in water for 1–2 hours before planting to help rehydrate them. Choose a planting site with rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Ferns thrive in moisture-retentive soil, so amending with compost or leaf mold is ideal.

Dig a shallow hole wide enough to spread the rhizome out horizontally, and place it just below the soil surface with the growing tips (or “eyes”) facing upward. Cover lightly with soil, press gently, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil evenly moist—never dry or soggy—while the fern establishes.

Mulch with leaf litter or pine needles to conserve moisture and mimic the fern’s natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight, as most native ferns prefer cool, shaded conditions. With patience and proper care, the rhizomes will send up new fronds and form a graceful, low-maintenance colony that returns year after year.

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