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Christmas Fern
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. Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. Christmas ferns are asymmetrical with a fine texture and has a moderately dense crown. The evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape. This fern does not spread but the clumps increase in size over time. These plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae. ... more
Toothwood Fern The Toothwood Fern, Dryopteris spinulosais, is a delightful lacy plant. The Toothwood Fern, also known as the Narrow Buckler Fern, has true fern foliage that is a rich, deep green color. The long triangular fronds, made of hundreds of tiny leaflets, spray up and out in whorls. This deciduous perennial plant is semi-evergreen. Toothwood Ferns will tolerate some drought and some dry soil. For best results put it in a shady position in the garden. This fern is easy to grow almost anywhere and thrives even when other plants fail. |
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