Polystichum acrostichoides, commonly known as Christmas fern, is a perennial, evergreen fern native to eastern North America, thriving in a variety of habitats including moist, shady woodlands, stream banks, and rocky slopes from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota and south to Florida and eastern Texas. It typically forms a fountain-like clump of foliage that remains green throughout the winter, hence the name Christmas fern. The fronds are dark green, with a leathery texture, and can grow up to 2 feet long.

Christmas fern is valued for its year-round visual interest and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings and shade gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its ability to hold soil in place with its fronds and root system. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and well-drained soils with a rich organic content. While it is adaptable to a range of soil types, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH soils. Christmas fern does not have significant disease or pest issues, making it a resilient addition to the landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0