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Deer Fern

Blechnum Spicant

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Overview

The Deer Fern, Blechnum spicant, thrives in moist, shady settings. This evergreen fern boasts lush, leathery fronds that create neat, symmetrical clumps reaching up to 2 feet in height and spread. Perfect for woodland gardens, it prefers acidic soil and pairs well with shade-tolerant shrubs. Hardy and low maintenance, it adds year-round interest and texture to the landscape. Deer-resistant, it's an ideal choice for naturalistic plantings.

Sun Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 5–8

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
5–8

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Polypodiaceae

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Photos (115)

Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — leathery fronds that create neat
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — The Deer Fern, Blechnum spicant, thrives in moist, shady settings
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — Hardy and low maintenance, it adds year-round interest and texture to the landscape
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — This evergreen fern boasts lush
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — symmetrical clumps reaching up to 2 feet in height and spread
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — Perfect for woodland gardens, it prefers acidic soil and pairs well with shade-tolerant shrubs
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — Deer-resistant, it's an ideal choice for naturalistic plantings
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — Commonly referred to as the Deer Fern
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — Blechnum spicant is a handsome evergreen fern that can serve as a luscious ground cover in shaded garden areas
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — This fern typically reaches a height of about 1 to 2 feet and can spread roughly 1 to 3 feet wide
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — typically measuring up to 12 to 18 inches long
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — The sterile fronds are horizontally outstretched
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — fertile fronds emerge upright
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — consisting of two types of fronds
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — It requires consistent moisture but does not tolerate standing water, making good drainage crucial
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — Its resistance to deer browsing is a notable benefit
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — which requires minimal care once established
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — reaching heights of 18 to 24 inches
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — and display a more narrow and rigid structure
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — which bears the spores on the underside.<br><br>Preferring moist
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — Blechnum spicant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — An optimal spot for the Deer Fern is an area with partial to full shade
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — ensuring that its beauty remains undisturbed throughout the seasons
Deer Fern (Blechnum Spicant) — fern for half or shade

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