What hardiness zones is Polystichum polyblepharum suitable for?

Polystichum polyblepharum is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Polystichum polyblepharum?

Polystichum polyblepharum requires Full Shade.

How much water does Polystichum polyblepharum need?

Polystichum polyblepharum has Medium water needs.

Ferns

Polystichum polyblepharum

Korean tassel fern

Dryopteridaceae

Japan, southern Korea, and parts of China

At a Glance

TypeFern

HabitClumping

FoliageEvergreen

Height1.5-2.5 feet (45-75 cm)

Width2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

A medium-sized, clump-forming evergreen fern reaching 1.5-2.5 feet (45-75 cm) tall and 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide. Growth rate is moderate, producing 8-15 new fronds per year from a central rhizome crown. Fronds are bipinnate (twice-divided), broadly lance-shaped, 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) long and 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) wide, arching gracefully from the crown. The most distinctive ornamental feature is the frond emergence pattern: new fiddleheads are densely covered in golden-brown scales and curve backward (recurve) as they unfurl, creating an unusual tassel-like display in spring — the source of the common name. Pinnae and pinnules are glossy dark green, with a highly polished, lacquered appearance that is more lustrous than most other ferns. The bipinnate division creates a finer texture than the once-pinnate P. munitum. Fronds are evergreen to semi-evergreen; in zones 5-6, older fronds may become tattered by late winter but persist. Sori appear as two rows of round dots on the underside of fertile pinnules. Hardy to approximately -5 to 5°F (-20 to -15°C). Despite the common name 'Korean tassel fern,' the species is primarily native to Japan.

Native Range

Native to Japan and also found in southern Korea and parts of China. Grows in moist forest understories, along shaded stream banks, and in mountain valleys at low to moderate elevations.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a specimen or accent fern in shade and woodland gardens at 2-3 foot (60-90 cm) spacing. The exceptionally glossy foliage provides a refined, elegant texture alongside coarser shade plants. The spring tassel display of emerging fiddleheads is a notable seasonal feature. Suitable for containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). Combines well with hostas, hellebores, epimediums, and other shade perennials.

How to Identify

Identified by highly glossy, dark green, bipinnate (twice-divided) fronds 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) long with an exceptionally polished, lacquered surface. The key diagnostic feature is the spring emergence pattern: fiddleheads are densely covered in golden-brown scales and curve backward (recurve) as they unfurl, creating a distinctive tassel-like display. Distinguished from P. munitum by the finer-textured bipinnate (vs. once-pinnate) fronds and the smaller overall size. Distinguished from P. setiferum by the higher gloss and firmer texture (P. setiferum has a softer, matte texture).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'6"

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

As a fern, this species does not produce flowers. Spores are produced in sori on the undersides of fertile fronds in summer. New fiddleheads emerge in March to April with the distinctive backward-curving, tassel-like display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Not applicable (fern)

Foliage Description

Highly glossy dark green with lacquered appearance

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loampeat

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with acidic to slightly acidic pH (5.0-6.5). Requires more consistent moisture than P. munitum and does not tolerate prolonged summer drought. Water regularly during dry periods. Mulch with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of leaf litter or composted bark. Protect from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the glossy fronds. In zones 5-6, provide a sheltered position and mulch the crown in late fall for winter protection. No serious pest or disease problems.

Pruning

Remove old, tattered fronds at the base of the crown in late February to early March before new fiddleheads emerge. Leave fronds through winter for crown protection and aesthetic interest, as the glossy foliage retains its appearance longer than many ferns. Do not damage the central crown or emerging fiddleheads during cleanup.

Pruning Schedule

winter

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic