braun's holly fern
Polystichum braunii
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate or wet soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Cream/tan, gray/silver, green
Garden uses
Notes
Braun's holly fern (Polystichum braunii) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland plantings, borders, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet soil. It forms a dense, erect-arching clump of leathery, dark green fronds with silvery scales on the leaf stalks. The fronds stay green through much of winter. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Fringed bleeding heart, Yellow trout-lily, and Wintergreen.
Native range
North America and Eurasia.