Deer Fern is an evergreen fern of Pacific Northwest and Appalachian forest understories, producing two types of fronds: flat, spreading sterile fronds and erect, strap-like fertile fronds with spore-bearing structures. It remains green year-round, providing ground cover color in winter forests. Deer graze on it regularly, hence the common name.
Best time to see a Deer Fern
The best time to see a Deer Fern is April–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,346 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Deer Fern? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Deer Fern sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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