Polystichum acrostichoides

Description

Christmas ferns have dark green pinnate fronds that are lanceolate shaped, are broadest at the base with a leathery texture. The fine spines on the edge of the pinna are oriented towards its tip with sparsely small tan hairs on the back of the frond. Stipes are green with grooves that are a quarter to a third of the entire frond length with tan brown scales. Sorus with a peltate shaped Indusium cover the entire surface in rows on the fertile fronds and are located on the top third of the frond. Fertile fronds are taller than the sterile fronds and die back while sterile fronds remain. Christmas ferns have a clumping habit that slowly form multiple crowns. Best to propagate by spores or division in the spring. 

This easy to grow fern thrives in well drained soils. It is native to the east coast of North America from Canada to the mid west, it will grow on the west coast just not as vigorously. Plant in mass for erosion control. Trim back in late winter as needed. Water regularly, adding more water during dry hot spells.