Christmas fern, Hard shield fern, Prickly shield fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Family: Dryopteridaceae
What it is like
A fern. It grows 45-60 cm high and spreads 45-60 cm wide. It has a tufted rhizome. It has long narrow fronds which are divided into leaflets along the stalk. There fronds are 30-90 cm long and there are up to 50 leaflets on each side. These leaflets are oblong with a lobe near the base on the upper surface. The spore bodies or sori are small and on much reduce leaflets at the tips of the fronds.
There are about 200 Polystichum species.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. It grows in moist shaded slopes and damp forest floors. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, Europe, North America, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves, fronds