Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Alaska Fern

Polystichum Setiferum

Design with this plant

Overview

The Alaska Fern, or Polystichum setiferum, is a perennial fern recognizable by its lacy, finely divided fronds that extend up to 2-3 feet long. This species thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil, enriching woodland gardens with its feathery texture. Hardy in zones 5-8, it's a robust addition providing year-round interest. Ideal for a tranquil, green backdrop or as a graceful understory plant.

Sun Deep Shade, Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 6–8Type FernClimate Temperate
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This species is renowned for its lush; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
6–8

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Fern
Family
Polypodiaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (151)

Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — fern for deep shade or half or shade; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance, image 63
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — Hardy in zones 5-8, it's a robust addition providing year-round interest; although it tolerates a range of, image 89
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — requiring minimal attention once established
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This species thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance, image 108
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — enriching woodland gardens with its feathery texture
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — It is also resistant to most pests and diseases; although it tolerates a range of soil types, image 83
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — feathery fronds that provide textural contrast in garden landscapes; although it tolerates a range of soil, image 50
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — where it can assist in erosion control.<br><br>Aside from its ornamental value; although it tolerates a range, image 122
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; enriching woodland gardens with its feathery texture, image 115
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This fern's hardiness corresponds to USDA zones 5 through 8; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance, image 117
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This fern's hardiness corresponds to USDA zones 5 through 8; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance, image 96
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — where it can assist in erosion control.<br><br>Aside from its ornamental value
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — or as a complement to other shade-loving plants in a mixed bed
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — underplanting deciduous trees; although it tolerates a range of soil types, image 119
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — Although it tolerates a range of soil types, image 74
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — feathery fronds that provide textural contrast in garden landscapes; although it tolerates a range of soil, image 71
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — They are ideal for shaded borders
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — requiring minimal attention once established; enriching woodland gardens with its feathery texture, image 124
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — finely divided fronds that extend up to 2-3 feet long
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — The cascading nature of its fronds also makes it suitable for use in terraced gardens or slopes; enriching woodland
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — scientifically named Polystichum setiferum; enriching woodland gardens with its feathery texture, image 91
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This species is renowned for its lush; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance, image 51
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — The cascading nature of its fronds also makes it suitable for use in terraced gardens or slopes; enriching, image 58
Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — the Alaska Fern is low maintenance, image 60
Photographs by 12 contributors

Related plants

Alpine Water Fern (Blechnum Penna-Marina) — fern / ground cover for deep shade or half or shade; it is generally pest and disease-resistant

Fern

Alpine Water Fern

Blechnum Penna-Marina

Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10
Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) — It is also commonly called the Japanese Shield Fern due to its robust nature and, image 32

Fern

Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

ShadeUSDA 4–10
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus) — resembling a bird's nest - hence the name; which is a key identifying feature, image 82

Fern

Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium Nidus

HalfUSDA 10–11
Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium Aureum) — evergreen fern boasting glaucous; tropical fern that brings a touch of serene beauty to garden spaces with its unique

Fern

Blue Star Fern

Phlebodium Aureum

HalfUSDA 5–9
Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance') — The Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance') is a vibrant, shade-loving

Fern

Brilliance Autumn Fern

Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance'

HalfUSDA 5–9
Burgundy Lace Painted Fern (Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace') — The Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace' is an elegant

Fern

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern

Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace'

HalfUSDA 4–9