Holly Fern, Japanese netvein hollyfern, Japanese Holly
Cyrtomium falcatum
Family: Dryopteridaceae
What it is like
Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal.
Cyrtomium falcatum is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Naturalized on and by walls, among maritime rocks and in other shady places in western Britain.
E. Asia - Himalayas. Reported to be naturalised in parts of Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The rhizome is used as an anthelmintic, chiefly for the expulsion of tapeworm.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Ground cover, Massing, Specimen, Woodland. garden There is some uncertainty over the hardiness of this species, one report says that it is not frost-tolerant, whilst another says that it is grown a an ornamental pot plant in Britain and has been reported as becoming naturalized in this country. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, There are no flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Spores - best sown as soon as ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division in spring or summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Fern
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist