Genus

Polystichum

The Polystichum genus in the Plotwright catalog - 2 species: Christmas fern, Western sword fern. Open any for hardiness, native range, wildlife value, and growing guidance.
Filters
Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) clump of leathery lance-shaped evergreen fronds arching from a central crown.
Polystichum acrostichoides
Christmas fern
A native evergreen fern of eastern North America that holds leathery dark green fronds through winter and provides ground-level songbird cover - ideal for shaded woodland slopes and erosion-prone banks.
Perennial
Part shade / Part sun
Moderate water
Zones 3a-9b
Climate: broad
Filler
Structure
Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) showing characteristic long evergreen pinnate fronds.
Polystichum munitum
Western sword fern
A Pacific Northwest evergreen fern with dark-green leathery fronds reaching 3 to 5 feet long - among the most iconic Pacific Northwest understory plants. Long-lived (decades), shade-tolerant, and one of the most reliable evergreen ferns for cool moist climates.
Perennial
Part sun / Part shade
Consistent moisture
Zones 5a-9b
Climate: moderate
Structure
Filler