Quick answer: Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is native to 34 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant (bare-root), verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Wasp32, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Moist, acid, humus-rich |
| Bloom | Non-flowering (spore-bearing) |
| Height | 1.5-2 ft (to 3 ft) |
| Wildlife value | Attracts Ruffed Grouse, evergreen year-round shelter |
none noted; clumping, not a spreading carpet
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant (bare-root) via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Christmas fern
Where is Christmas fern native?
Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is native to 34 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Christmas fern bloom?
Christmas fern blooms Non-flowering (spore-bearing). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Christmas fern need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Moist, acid, humus-rich. Mature height: 1.5-2 ft (to 3 ft).
Is Christmas fern good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts Ruffed Grouse, evergreen year-round shelter.
Is Christmas fern deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Christmas fern is deer-resistant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Christmas fern seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant (bare-root) that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Polystichum acrostichoides on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Christmas fern.
- Lanceleaf coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata
- Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
- Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea
- Sweet Joe-Pye Eutrochium purpureum
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
Also listed under
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