Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

$22.00

| Hardiness Zones 4-9

In the quiet corners of Eastern woodlands, Polystichum acrostichoides—commonly called the Christmas Fern—stands as a testament to perennial grace and self-reliance. This evergreen fern bears sturdy, lance‑shaped fronds of deep, leathery green, arranged in neat, fountain-like clumps that last well beyond the first snows of the season, lending its name to the winter holiday itself. Each frond reaches 12–24 inches tall, with pinnae edged in subtle spines—like tiny evergreen stockings hung along its stem—that glint against the woodland floor .

This native of Eastern North America—from Nova Scotia through Florida to Texas—is coveted for its adaptability and low‑maintenance virtue. It quietly forms medium clumps that slowly spread by creeping rhizomes, anchoring shady slopes and woodland beds with poise. Tolerant of drought and dry shade, it thrives in USDA Zones 3–9, even enduring periods of snow and frost by bending its fronds low to the earth—where warmth and protection nestle under winter's hush. As spring arrives, fresh fiddleheads emerge, silvery and coiled, heralding a new season of woodland beauty.

Garden Highlights

  • Rich Evergreen Texture: Polished dark‑green, leathery fronds remain lush throughout winter

  • Hardy & Adaptable: USDA Zones 3–9; thrives in shade, tolerates dry shade & drought once established

  • Elegant Form: Grows 12–24″ tall and wide in neat, fountain‑like clumps; slow-spreading via rhizomes

  • Low-Maintenance: Cut away old fronds in early spring; resistant to deer and rabbits

  • Erosion Fighter: Excellent on shaded slopes, woodland borders, rain gardens, and mass plantings

Bring home the Christmas Fern, and let its evergreen procession offer structure, texture, and quiet celebration through every season—an evergreen heirloom ready to anchor your shade garden with native elegance and timeless resilience.

Photos courtesy of Sally and Andy Wasowksi.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart
Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 4-9
Sun Part Shade and Full Shade
Soil Moist and Rich
Mature size Height: 12-24 Inches / Spread: 12-24 Inches
Growth Rate Fast
Seasonality Evergreen

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Christmas fern doesn't flower or fruit — like all true ferns, it reproduces by spores, so the foliage carries the entire ornamental show. Leathery, lance-shaped fronds arch from a tight crown in a loose fountain, 12 to 36 inches long and broadest near the middle, in a cool dark green that reads almost black in deep shade and clean emerald in dappled light. Each frond is once-pinnate with 20 to 35 pairs of oblong pinnae, every leaflet carrying a small upward-pointing auricle at its base — the stocking-shaped silhouette behind the common name. Margins are finely toothed and bristle-tipped.

Silver-scaled fiddleheads unfurl in earliest spring against the previous year's weather-worn evergreen fronds. Fertile fronds stand taller and more rigidly upright, contracting abruptly in the upper third where reduced pinnae carry dense golden-brown sori across their entire lower surface, each protected by a peltate, umbrella-shaped indusium.

Read full care instruction manual here.

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Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.