Christmas Fern is one of the most common and easily identified native ferns of eastern North American forests, named for the fact that its evergreen fronds were traditionally collected for holiday decorations. Growing in neat, vase-shaped clumps 1–2 feet tall, it bears glossy, dark-green fronds that remain green and attractive through winter. Each leaflet has a small ear-like projection at the base resembling a Christmas stocking. Christmas Fern is one of the best shade-tolerant native groundcovers for gardens.
Habitat
Found in moist to dry woodlands, rocky slopes, and stream banks across eastern North America.
Diet
Evergreen fronds provide winter cover for ground-nesting birds and small mammals.
How common
Common
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