Blechnum spicant

DEER FERN

Evergreen Fern, Perennial

Outstanding Qualities
Blechnum spicant is a charming native fern that is one of the best textural plants for the woodland garden. Fertile and sterile fronds (those that produce spores and those that do not) are different in shape, which creates a distinctive foliage texture and tonal contrast on the same plant. The sterile fronds form a tidy arching mound of clean looking delicately cut foliage. The fertile fronds rise straight up above this mound giving a thin wispy, almost skeletal appearance. Both fronds will remain good looking from spring to late winter.

Culture Notes
Deer fern is an adaptable fern growing well in light to deep shade. It will grow well in rich moist soils or well drained locations with occasional summer watering and will also tolerate sandy and clay soils. Old fronds should be cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

--Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Morning Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Average, Low, Regular / Even, Winter Wet / Summer Dry

Description

Size: 12 - 24 tall x 18 - 24 wide
Shape / Form: Clumping
Foliage Texture: Bold
Foliage Quality: Bold

Features: Dwarf / Compact Plant, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Native Plant, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Green




Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Small Gardens
Special Situations: Courtyard / Urban Garden, Deep Shade, Deer Resistant, Dry Shade
Wildlife: Deer Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest
Position / Role: front of border
Plant Behavior: Clumping, Well Behaved / Companionable
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite, Great Plant Pick, Plants That Earn Their Keep

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low

Plant Combos