Alaskan Fern
Polystichum setiferum
Feathery, dark green, narrow fronds are evergreen. They look tropical but are actually hardy! The perfect contrast to bold leaved plants. Outstanding for shade. Naturalizes well in woodland settings.
| Synonym: | Polystichum angulare |
| Botanical Pronunciation: | pol-LIST-ik-um say-TI-fe-rum |
| Key feature: | Shade Loving |
| Plant type: | Fern |
| Garden style: | Cottage |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Semi-evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 5 - 9 |
| Light needs: | Full shade |
| Water Needs: | Needs wet or constantly moist soil. |
| Average landscape size: | Moderate growing 2 to 3 ft. tall. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Special features: | Improved Pest and Disease Resistance |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Rock Garden, Woodland Garden |
| Blooms: | Does not flower |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 3649 |
| Retailers for this plant: |
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed frequently during growing season with a general purpose fertilizer. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring. Pruning time: spring.
Design Ideas
This is an excellent hardy Fern that takes colder climates by dying back with frost. Plant under trees, in dark corners and shaded alcoves. Also works well in light-challenged atriums and courtyards. As a North American native, it's the perfect easy Fern for woodland and wild gardens.
History
This genus of ferns known collectively as "holly" ferns are so named for their sometimes prickly foliage. The genus was classified by German botanist Albrecht Roth, 1757-1834, who named it from the Greek for many rows, to describe the pattern of sori on the backs of the leaves. Many of the ferns in this contemporary classifications were formally know under genus Aspidium. This species is native to most regions of the world except the Arctic. It formerly went by the names Polypodium setiferum by Pehr Forskal, 1736-1768 of Sweden, and Polystichum aculeatum as well as other synonyms throughout the references. But it was Austrian Heinrich Woynar, 1865-1917 who made the final classification.
Feathery, dark green, narrow fronds are evergreen. They look tropical but are actually hardy! The perfect contrast to bold leaved plants. Outstanding for shade. Naturalizes well in woodland settings.
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed frequently during growing season with a general purpose fertilizer. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring. Pruning time: spring.
Design Ideas
This is an excellent hardy Fern that takes colder climates by dying back with frost. Plant under trees, in dark corners and shaded alcoves. Also works well in light-challenged atriums and courtyards. As a North American native, it's the perfect easy Fern for woodland and wild gardens.
History
This genus of ferns known collectively as "holly" ferns are so named for their sometimes prickly foliage. The genus was classified by German botanist Albrecht Roth, 1757-1834, who named it from the Greek for many rows, to describe the pattern of sori on the backs of the leaves. Many of the ferns in this contemporary classifications were formally know under genus Aspidium. This species is native to most regions of the world except the Arctic. It formerly went by the names Polypodium setiferum by Pehr Forskal, 1736-1768 of Sweden, and Polystichum aculeatum as well as other synonyms throughout the references. But it was Austrian Heinrich Woynar, 1865-1917 who made the final classification.
| Synonym: | Polystichum angulare |
| Botanical Pronunciation: | pol-LIST-ik-um say-TI-fe-rum |
| Key feature: | Shade Loving |
| Plant type: | Fern |
| Garden style: | Cottage |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Semi-evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 5 - 9 |
| Light needs: | Full shade |
| Water Needs: | Needs wet or constantly moist soil. |
| Average landscape size: | Moderate growing 2 to 3 ft. tall. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Special features: | Improved Pest and Disease Resistance |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Rock Garden, Woodland Garden |
| Blooms: | Does not flower |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 3649 |
