Struthiopteris spicant, deer fern
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Ferns

Struthiopteris spicant

deer fern

Blechnaceae

Western North America (Alaska to California), Europe, eastern Asia

At a Glance

TypeFern
HabitClumping
FoliageEvergreen
Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 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
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

An evergreen fern producing two distinct frond types from a short, erect rhizome. Sterile fronds are spreading to arching, 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long, once-pinnate with glossy, dark green, leathery pinnae 0.5-0.8 inches (1.3-2 cm) long, arranged in a ladder-like pattern along the rachis. Sterile fronds form a low rosette and persist through winter. Fertile fronds emerge from the center of the crown in summer, growing upright to 18-30 inches (45-76 cm) tall, with narrow, widely spaced pinnae bearing linear sori on their undersides. Fertile fronds turn brown and wither by late fall. The overall clump reaches 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Growth rate is slow to moderate; plants reach mature size in 3-4 years. Spreads slowly by short rhizomes but does not form aggressive colonies. Fronds may suffer desiccation damage during sustained cold below 10°F (-12°C) or during dry winter winds. Plants decline in alkaline soils and dry conditions.

Native Range

Native to western North America from southeastern Alaska south to coastal California, and disjunctly in eastern North America, Europe, and eastern Asia. Found in moist coniferous forests, stream banks, and shaded ravines from sea level to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) elevation.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and along stream banks at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. Functions as an evergreen groundcover under conifers and in native plant restoration sites. Grows in containers of at least 2 gallons (8 L) with acidic potting mix; requires consistent moisture in container culture.

How to Identify

Distinguished by its dimorphic fronds: sterile fronds are spreading, leathery, and glossy dark green with closely spaced, ladder-like pinnae, while fertile fronds rise erect from the center with narrow, widely spaced pinnae. The croziers (fiddleheads) emerge covered with dark brown scales in spring. Unlike sword fern (Polystichum munitum), the pinnae are attached directly to the rachis without individual stalks.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Ferns do not flower. Fertile fronds bearing spores emerge from June through August and release spores in late summer through fall. Fertile fronds turn brown and persist through winter before collapsing. Sterile fronds remain green year-round.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Non-flowering (fern)

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, leathery; fertile fronds turn brown in fall

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 Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water consistently during the first two growing seasons, maintaining evenly moist but not waterlogged soil. Once established, supplemental irrigation is needed during dry periods exceeding 10-14 days in summer. Requires acidic soil with pH 4.5-6.0; plants develop chlorosis and decline in alkaline conditions. Apply 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of conifer needle or leaf mold mulch annually to maintain soil acidity and moisture retention. Site in partial to full shade; direct sun causes frond scorch and browning, particularly in afternoon exposure. Remove tattered or winter-damaged sterile fronds in early spring as new croziers emerge.

Pruning

Cut back brown, spent fertile fronds at the base in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove damaged or desiccated sterile fronds at the same time to make way for fresh growth. Avoid removing green sterile fronds during the growing season, as these produce energy for the following year's growth.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic