1 / 11
© Kenneth R. Wood (NTBG), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Cyrtomium caryotideum
Fish-tail Holly Fern
Himalayan region (Nepal and northern India east to southwestern China and Southeast Asia; moist shaded forest understories at 3,000–9,000 feet / 900–2,700 m)
Learn more
Overview
Cyrtomium caryotideum is a clumping evergreen fern in the wood-fern family (Dryopteridaceae) reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). Fronds are pinnate (once-divided), 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long, with characteristic pinnae that are irregularly lobed and jagged along the margins — the frond segments resemble the leaflets of fishtail palm (Caryota), which is the source of both the common name and the specific epithet. Each pinna is 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, dull to medium green, with a matte finish. Frond texture is coarser and more irregular than the glossy smooth-margined pinnae of C. falcatum (Japanese holly fern), which reads as the most obvious field-level separation between the two species. New fronds emerge from a central crown of scaly brown stipes. Growth rate is slow to moderate. This species is the least commonly cultivated Cyrtomium in the horticultural trade. Hardy to zone 7, which is less cold-hardy than C. falcatum, and zone-7 positions are marginal. The irregular jagged pinnae give the fern a wilder less-polished appearance than other holly-fern species in the genus.
Native Range
Cyrtomium caryotideum is native to the Himalayan region, from Nepal and northern India east to southwestern China and Southeast Asia, where it occurs in moist shaded forest understories at elevations of 3,000–9,000 feet (900–2,700 m).Suggested Uses
Grown in shade gardens, woodland borders, and sheltered foundation plantings at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The coarse irregularly-lobed fronds contrast with thin-textured and delicate ferns such as Adiantum and with smooth-leaved shade perennials such as Hosta. Container culture works in 3 gallon (11 L) or larger pots with consistent moisture. Evergreen foliage carries winter structure in mild-climate shade gardens where deciduous ferns leave a bare winter bed. Full-sun positions, dry planting sites, and cold exposed zone-7 locations are not suitable given the moisture and shelter requirements of this species.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Ferns do not flower. Spores are produced in round sori on the undersides of fertile fronds, covered by peltate (umbrella-shaped) indusia. Spore dispersal occurs in late summer to early fall.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dull to medium green with matte finish; pinnate fronds with jagged lobed pinnae 2-4 inches longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in partial to full shade in moist well-drained humus-rich soil at pH 5.5–7.0, tolerating loam. Hardy to zone 7 — the least cold-hardy Cyrtomium in cultivation; temperatures below 15°F (−9°C) cause crown damage that can kill the plant in exposed zone-7 positions. Winter mulching the crown in zone 7 reduces the risk of frost damage. Drying wind exposure produces frond desiccation in winter, and sheltered planting positions hold the evergreen fronds in better condition through the dormant season. Consistent moisture supports the thin matte pinnae, which show water stress faster than the leathery pinnae of C. falcatum. Slow to establish — 2–3 years for full mature size. No serious pest or disease problems. Old or tattered fronds are removed in early spring before new crosiers emerge.Pruning
Old, tattered, or winter-damaged fronds are removed in early spring (February–March) before new crosiers emerge. No other pruning is required. The central crown structure regenerates new fronds each spring and does not benefit from structural cuts during the growing season.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons