Deer Fern
Struthiopteris spicant
Also listed as Blechnum spicant, Lomaria spicant
Also known as Hard Fern
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate evergreen fern with two distinct frond types: sterile spreading fronds and fertile upright fronds with spore-bearing pinnae. It thrives in shaded woodland settings with consistent moisture.
Why grow it
Deer fern offers a distinctly architectural form compared to most woodland ferns, with its dimorphic fronds (sterile and fertile) creating visual texture even in low light. It performs well as a groundcover in consistently moist, shaded sites where many ornamental ferns struggle, and its evergreen habit provides winter structure. The compact, spreading habit makes it useful for erosion control on shaded slopes or stream banks without aggressive lateral spread.
Watch out for
Deer fern prefers consistently moist soil and may decline during prolonged dry spells, even in shade. Transplants can be slow to establish, so allow extra time before judging success. Slugs and snails may browse new fronds in very wet conditions, so monitor in poorly drained sites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Blechnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America, Europe, and Asia
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate evergreen fern with two distinct frond types: sterile spreading fronds and fertile upright fronds with spore-bearing pinnae. It thrives in shaded woodland settings with consistent moisture.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Deer Fern grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Deer fern offers a distinctly architectural form compared to most woodland ferns, with its dimorphic fronds (sterile and fertile) creating visual texture even in low light. It performs well as a groundcover in consistently moist, shaded sites where many ornamental ferns struggle, and its evergreen habit provides winter structure. The compact, spreading habit makes it useful for erosion control on shaded slopes or stream banks without aggressive lateral spread.
Watch out for
Deer fern prefers consistently moist soil and may decline during prolonged dry spells, even in shade. Transplants can be slow to establish, so allow extra time before judging success. Slugs and snails may browse new fronds in very wet conditions, so monitor in poorly drained sites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Blechnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America, Europe, and Asia
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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