Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

native

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Other Names:
Holly Fern, Shield Fern, Sword Fern, Dagger Fern

The Christmas Fern is found throughout Virginia and is one of the most common ferns in the eastern United States. This perennial evergreen fern grows within moist and shady areas in forests, on rocky slopes, and on stream banks. It gets its name because it has fronds which often are still green in December around Christmas. The genus Polystichos means "many in a row", a reference to the spore cases being in a row.

Identification Tools

Illinois Wildflowers Friends of the Wildflower Garden Minnesota Wildflowers

Ranges

North America Virginia

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