Hard Shield-Fern

(Polystichum aculeatum)

Hard Shield-Fern (Polystichum aculeatum)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Polystichum aculeatum image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Polystichum aculeatum, commonly known as the hard shield-fern, is an evergreen fern native to a variety of habitats including shady woodland floors, hedge banks, and rocky slopes throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It is often found in moist, sheltered areas with acidic to neutral soil. The plant typically forms a dense, tufted clump reaching 30–90 cm in height. Its glossy dark green fronds are bipinnate, meaning they have a feather-like appearance with leaflets on either side of a central axis, and they usually droop downslope, creating an elegant arching effect. A mature plant will typically have 3-8 fronds, and individual fronds can live for 1.5-2.5 years, remaining attached to the rhizome even after withering.

The hard shield-fern is valued for its lush, evergreen foliage, which provides year-round interest in the garden. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use. This fern is ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and as underplanting for larger shrubs. It requires consistently moist soil and thrives in part shade, though it can tolerate more sun in cooler climates if kept moist. While it generally prefers medium drainage, it can adapt to a range of soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. The hard shield-fern is relatively low maintenance, but it may be susceptible to rust and scale insects. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Shady woodland floors, hedge banks, and rocky slopes throughout Europe and parts of Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Prickly Shield Fern, Almindelig Skjoldbregne, Gelappter Schildfarn, Dorniger Schildfarn, Polystic À Aiguillons, Daivaina Cietpaparde, Stijve Naaldvaren

Scientific Names: , Polystichum aculeatum, Polystichum lobatum, Aspidium aculeatum, Aspidium lobatum, Polystichum aculeatum subsp. lobatum, Dryopteris aculeata, Tectaria aculeata, Polypodium aculeatum, Aspidium aculeatum subsp. lobatum

GBIF Accepted Name: Polystichum aculeatum (L.) Roth