|
Christmas Fern
Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. These plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas. Christmas ferns are asymmetrical with a fine texture and has a moderately dense crown. Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. It typically grows in a fountain-like clump to 2' tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. The Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides, occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. The evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape. This fern does not spread but the clumps increase in size over time. ... more
Hayscented Fern It can be identified by its lacy, light-green fronds that feel very slightly sticky to the touch. It is an aggressive spreader and is a very popular garden fern. This perennial fern grows fast and is deciduous. When the leaves are bruised they smell like fresh mown hay, hence the name. They are vigorous growers and tolerate most conditions. Hay Scented Ferns are also known as Cup ferns. It often grows in large colonies and appears to be forming a carpet. |
|
