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Rigid or Prickly Holly Fern (Polystichum rigens)
Rigid or Prickly Holly Fern (Polystichum rigens)
This is a most handsome fern with durable leathery fronds of a lightly glaced green. The spine-tipped falcate pinnules (sickle-like leaflets) make the fronds slightly prickly to the touch and are a marvelous sight when viewed on a horizontal plane. This is a fairly slow growing fern which prefers filtered shade in moist, humus-rich conditions. I t has a slight skunky smell when the tender foliage is bruised. This is most noticeable when one grows a good sized crop but negligible with a small number of adult plants.
Frond Condition: Evergreen
Mature Height: 12-16”
Origin: Japan, China
Cultural Requirements: Part Shade to Full Shade, Evenly Moist
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8
