On a woodland hike in the eastern U.S., lush colonies of evergreen Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) flourish along the moist slopes (USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8). This native perennial fern favors either a deep or light shade environment. A vigorous clump may grow 18 – 24 inches in height and width. Set new plants in a garden 12 – 18 inches apart.

New spring growth has a silvery cast, becoming dark green in summer. The advance of winter gradually takes its toll on the foliage. A gardener may opt to remove the old yellowed or dried fronds in late winter before the new silver green fiddleheads emerge. Fertile fronds have smaller upper leaflets (pinnae) which produce spores on their lower surface.

Christmas fern prefers humus-rich woodland soil with 5.0 – 7.0 pH range. Feeding plants is rarely necessary if the woodland environment is optimum. Decaying mulch around the ferns usually provides adequate nutrition. Fronds stand dark green and tall after a deep soaking summer rain.

As a ground cover Christmas fern tolerates little to no foot traffic. Avoid planting on a poorly drained soil which may lead to crown rot disease.

Whether growing in the wild or in a garden, Christmas fern co-habitats with dozens of woodland plant favorites including celandine poppy, Solomon’s seal, Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), camassia, woodland asters, wild ginger, among others. Its dark green evergreen foliage is utilized for home decorations during the jolly holiday season.