Overview
Polystichum acrostichoides is a fern in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Polystichum acrostichoides grows best in full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and 5.5-7.0 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and shade garden. It is native to E North America.
About
Polystichum acrostichoides is a fern from eastern North America notable for its winter presence. It reaches about 0.6 m. It prefers full shade on moist but well‑drained sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Fully hardy in the UK (H7; USDA zones 4–9), it suits ground cover, woodland and shade gardens.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum acrostichoides
About the genus
Polystichum is a genus of ferns in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016. The genus has about 500 species and has a cosmopolitan distribution. The highest diversity is in eastern Asia, with about 208 species in China alone; the region from Mexico to Brazil has at least 100 additional species; Africa, North America, and Europe have much lower diversity.
Wikipedia contributors, "Polystichum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum
In the garden
Polystichum acrostichoides is a fern native to eastern North America that typically reaches about 0.6 m. It is valued for its winter presence and is used where a low, shade-tolerant understorey is required. Plant in full shade or similarly shaded sites and choose a sandy or loamy soil that remains moist but drains freely; the species prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0. In the UK it is rated H7 (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–9, so it tolerates cold winters when given appropriate site conditions. Avoid waterlogged positions and heavy, compacted soils. Use Polystichum acrostichoides as a ground cover or in woodland and shade garden schemes where its modest height suits underplanting and sheltered borders. Individual plants occupy a low space, making them useful for creating persistent structure at the front of a dark border or beneath deciduous shrubs. Expect a compact plant to about 0.6 m that contributes winter interest in shaded, woodland-style plantings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polystichum
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- 5.5-7.0
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum acrostichoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, Woodland garden, Shade garden
- Native to
- E North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum acrostichoides
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil; avoid direct sun; mulch to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring
- Propagation
- Division in spring or spores
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polystichum acrostichoides?
Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil; avoid direct sun; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum acrostichoides?
Polystichum acrostichoides prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.
What soil does Polystichum acrostichoides need?
Polystichum acrostichoides grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers 5.5-7.0 soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Polystichum acrostichoides?
Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring.
How big does Polystichum acrostichoides grow?
Polystichum acrostichoides reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Polystichum acrostichoides hardy in the UK?
Polystichum acrostichoides has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Polystichum acrostichoides?
Division in spring or spores.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum adiantiforme
- Polystichum discretum