Polystichum lonchitis mountain holly fern

Mountain holly fern is an evergreen species native to elevated regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is easily distinguished from its close relatives (p. aculeatum, e. braunii) by pinnate (and not bi-pinnate) leaves composed of a central midrib and small, glossy, finely toothed leaflets of medium green to slightly chartreuse colour. The leaflets are oblong to acutely lance-shaped. Each frond is commonly 30-50 cm long, exceptionally 60-80 cm in extremely fertile soils, and only 5-7 cm wide. It is reliably evergreen.

Mountain holly fern naturally occupies rock outcrops, growing from crevices and cracks with enough moisture and where its roots remain cool. It dislikes drought and being exposed to direct sunlight. The best soil is limey to neutral, evenly moist but free-draining, moderately fertile. It is hardy to about -40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update: 13-12-2021