Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Christmas fern is a native evergreen fern that stays green all winter. It's one of the most common ferns in Missouri's woods, grows in dry to moist shade, and handles drought and deer once established.
At a Glance
| Plant type | Evergreen fern |
|---|---|
| Native range | Eastern North America, from Canada to northeastern Mexico. Found statewide in Missouri on wooded slopes, and one of the most common ferns in Missouri's forests. |
| Mature height | 1 to 3 feet |
| Mature spread | 1 to 3 feet |
| Growth rate | Slow. Clumps get larger over time. |
| Foliage | Evergreen fronds up to about 30 inches long that stay green through winter, often lying flat on the ground by late winter. Taller fertile fronds die back in winter. |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. |
Growing Conditions
| USDA hardiness zones | 3 to 9 |
|---|---|
| Sun | Part shade to deep shade |
| Soil | Organically rich, well-drained soil. Loam, sand, or rocky soil. |
| Soil pH | Acidic (below 6.0) |
| Water | Low to medium. Dry to medium moisture; drought tolerant once established. |
| Tolerates | Drought, deer, rabbits, deep shade, slopes |
| Does poorly with | Poorly drained soil, especially in winter |
Will It Grow Here?
Yes, anywhere in our area. Christmas Fern is hardy in zones 3 to 9, which covers every zone in our area (6b through 8a).
| Zone | Grows here? | Towns in this zone |
|---|---|---|
| 6b (our farm) | Yes | Lebanon, MO; Bolivar, MO; Iola, KS; Garnett, KS |
| 7a | Yes | Springfield, MO; Joplin, MO; Fayetteville, AR; Bentonville, AR |
| 7b | Yes | Harrison, AR; Tulsa, OK; Broken Arrow, OK; Tahlequah, OK |
| 8a | Yes | Van Buren, AR; Alma, AR |
Not sure which zone you're in? Look up your ZIP code on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (opens in a new tab).
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Missouri zone map (full size, opens in a new tab)
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Arkansas zone map (full size, opens in a new tab)
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Oklahoma zone map (full size, opens in a new tab)
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Kansas zone map (full size, opens in a new tab)
Official 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Maps. Tap a map to open it full size.
Maps: USDA Agricultural Research Service, with mapping by the PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University.
Plant Patent
Not patented. This is the straight species, not a named variety, so there are no restrictions on growing it from seed or division.
About the Christmas Fern
Christmas fern is one of the most common ferns in Missouri’s forests and woodlands. Its fronds stay green all winter, which gives woodland and shade gardens winter interest. By late winter the old fronds often lie flat on the ground, where they shelter salamanders, beetles, and other small animals.
The Missouri Department of Conservation asks that people not dig it from the wild. Buy plants from a nursery instead.
Choosing a Spot
- Shade. Part shade to deep shade.
- Good drainage. It grows in loam, sand, or rocky soil, from dry to medium moisture. Avoid soggy spots, where it can get crown rot in winter.
- Slopes. It helps hold soil on shady slopes.
Planting
Set the plant so its crown, where the stems meet the roots, is even with the soil line. Container-grown plants can be planted at any time of year. Water them in well.
Watering
Most garden perennials need 1 to 2 inches of water a week in summer, from rain or watering. Once established it’s drought tolerant.
Mulch and Fertilizer
Mulch 2 to 4 inches deep. If the plant needs feeding, a light application of a balanced fertilizer when growth starts in spring is enough for most perennials.
Pruning
Our sources don’t call for any pruning; it’s a low-maintenance fern.
Common Problems
- Crown rot: In poorly drained soil, especially in winter.
- Florida fern caterpillar: An occasional pest.
There are no serious insect or disease problems. Deer rarely bother it.
Good for Wildlife
Not many animals eat it, but the flattened winter fronds hold leaves against the ground and shelter salamanders, beetles, and other small animals.
Propagation
Divide the clumps.
Availability
Currently out of stock until Spring 2027.
Our nursery stock changes through the season. Contact us to check what we have on hand, current sizes, and pricing.
Sources
Growing information on this page was checked against these public references:
- Polystichum acrostichoides (North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox) (opens in a new tab)
- Christmas Fern Field Guide (Missouri Department of Conservation) (opens in a new tab)
- Christmas Dagger (ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants) (opens in a new tab)
- Herbaceous Ornamentals, MG9 (University of Missouri Extension) (opens in a new tab)
Disclaimer: The information on this page is based on publicly available knowledge and research. Individual results may vary.