A native evergreen fern. Common in eastern forests; stays green through winter. Common Christmas decoration in early colonial era.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Polystichum acrostichoides, commonly denominated Christmas fern, is a perennial, evergreen fern native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota and south to Florida and eastern Texas. It is one of the most common ferns in eastern North America, being found in moist and shady habitats in woodlands, stream banks and rocky slopes. The common name derives from the evergreen fronds, which are often still green at Christmas.
Source: Wikipedia — Polystichum acrostichoides Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium fern with leathery dark green evergreen fronds; characteristic "stocking-shaped" leaflets.
Similar species. Other Polystichum species. Common Wood Fern (deciduous).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Evergreen fern of eastern forests. Stays green through winter, hence "Christmas" name. Traditional decoration for Christmas wreaths.
§ Range
Eastern North America
§ Habitat
Mature deciduous forests, mature mixed forests
§ Threats
Forest loss, deer overbrowsing.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the christmas fern is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Maintain mature deciduous forests. Plant in shade gardens.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Polystichum acrostichoides
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Polystichum acrostichoides
- iNaturalist · taxon 124892
- IUCN Red List — search for Polystichum acrostichoides
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Polystichum acrostichoides
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- New England Wild Flower Society
