Polystichum proliferum
mother shield-fern
Overview
Polystichum proliferum, the mother shield-fern, is an evergreen ground fern in the family Dryopteridaceae native to cool, moist forests of south-eastern Australia. It forms a clump of arching, dark green fronds 16-40 inches (40-100 cm) long, rising from a stout, scaly rootstock. Each frond is twice-divided into many stiff, toothed segments, the lower stalk clothed in brown papery scales. The species takes its name from a small plantlet, or bulbil, that forms near the tip of mature fronds; as the frond ages and bends to the ground, the plantlet roots and grows into a new fern, so colonies build up around the parent. Reproduction is also by spores carried in round clusters on the frond undersides. It grows in fern gullies, wet forest, and subalpine woodland on humus-rich, moist soils, often along streams and in shaded rock crevices. It tolerates cold and light frost but declines in dry, exposed, or sun-baked positions.
Native Range
Polystichum proliferum is native to south-eastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. It grows in fern gullies, wet eucalypt forest, and subalpine woodland on moist, humus-rich soils, often near streams and shaded rocks.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded fern gullies, woodland borders, and damp rockeries, and in containers for sheltered courtyards. Suited to cool, moist, shaded gardens and stream-side plantings. Spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart for ground cover.How to Identify
Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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 part to full shade on moist, humus-rich, freely draining loamy or peaty soils, and needs steady moisture through the year. The fronds brown at the edges in dry, exposed, or sunny positions, so a sheltered, shaded spot suits it. It tolerates cold and light frost, reflecting its cool-climate and subalpine origins. A mulch of leaf litter keeps the roots cool and moist and feeds the rootstock as it breaks down. The frond-tip plantlets can be pegged down or potted to raise new ferns. Established clumps need little care beyond moisture and shade.Pruning
Cutting away old, browned, or damaged fronds at the base in late winter keeps the clump fresh before new fronds unfurl. The frond-tip plantlets can be removed and grown on if more ferns are wanted. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons