The Christmas fern [Polystichum acrostichoides], from the Dryopteridaceae family, is a North American native plant that is commonly found in the dense or open woodlands of Canada and the United States, as well as on moist banks of such places as ponds and ravines. It is considered a threatened species in the state of Minnesota, and is listed as extremely vulnerable in the state of New York. Polystichum comes from the Greek words, polys which means ‘many’, and stichos which means ‘row’, which refers to the rows of sori found on the species.
The origin and purpose behind the name of the Christmas Fern appears to be speculative and uncertain, but it is believed that this fern is thusly named for two reasons. The first reason is because it remains green in December (evergreen), and the second being that its fronds have been used for Christmas decorations.
It has pinnate leaves and dense cluster of lance-shaped fronds. Each pinna is long and narrow, with a small part near the stem that juts out at a right angle, which some say resembles holly, a boot or a stocking. This fact brings more speculation about its name, as the resemblance makes one think about Christmas stockings or Santa’s boot. The fronds are 2 – 3 feet long. The stipe or leaf stalk is grooved shallowly and stout, with dense light brown scales. The leaflets are dark and shiny. It grows in a finely- textured, asymmetric clump with a dense crown that sprouts fiddleheads; and it is persistently evergreen. The smaller leaflets at the top of the fronds are the fertile leaflets. Although this fern is rhizomatous, it does not naturalize or spread, but the clumps, which will increase in size over time, can be divided at the roots, for propagation. The rhizomes of the smaller plants must be below the surface of the soil to ensure growth.
The underside of the frond tends to have spore-bearing structures (sori) that are so close together, that it can be difficult to see the individual dots. The fiddleheads appear in April during the spring. It thrives well in dry to medium moist soil that is organically rich and well-drained. If the soil is not well-drained, the crown tends to rot. It does well in partial shade, however it will tolerate direct sun, so long as the soil is kept moist and the exposure to the sun is not for extended periods of time, so as to cause sunburn on the leaves.
The Christmas fern presents itself as a problem-solver for shady spots and rock areas, as it thrives well in these places. These ferns are superb for erosion control, doing well on stream banks, in or near trees and along stream banks. It is low maintenance and is resistant to pests and diseases. Even deer tend to leave the fern alone. As a deciduous plant, it literally mulches itself, as old fronds fall to the ground in the spring, just as new fiddleheads are emerging.
When other flowers have gone dormant, the Christmas fern will remain a strong focal point in a shade garden, as it highlights the beautifully colored autumn foliage and flowers, as well as winter snow, with its evergreen presence. With Christmas fern, your garden will always display life, even in the barrenness of winter.
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