Woodwardia fimbriata, the giant chain fern, is a Blechnum relative native to the Pacific Northwest. Ostrich ferns are easily grown in average, medium to wet soil in part shade to full shade. The Pacific Northwest is fern country. We have 1 and 2 gallon sizes. In the Landscape: Many Ferns are useful in the landscape as accent plants.  Although most are at home in a moist woodland garden, some will withstand some drought and are good choices for a rock garden.  A few oddballs find their niches being either epiphytic on trees or entirely aquatic. The older fronds start to die back and turn brown while the new ones grow in. (30-140cm). Ostrich Fern spreads by underground rhizomes to form new crowns and often grows in dense colonies, resistant to destruction by floodwaters. They are worth of every inch of the small space they occupy. Distribution of Spreading Wood Fern from USDA Plants Database. Native Plants Network, Propagation Protocol Database, Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn, Giant Chain Fern                                          Chain Fern family–Blechnaceae. Over time single plants will spread by underground rhizomes to form dense colonies. This evergreen is beautiful shades of green leaves. Growth: Lady Fern grows to 6 feet, (2m) tall. Drought tolerant (21) Moist soils (16) Special Garden Use . Diagnostic Characters:  Western Maidenhair is a deciduous perennial with solitary (or few) fronds. Each entry includes incredible photo slideshows of each type of fern. One of the most iconic images to the Pacific Northwest is the lush foliage of ferns growing in the shady understory of a verdant forest. Western Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum aleuticum. Connectilis refers to how the base pair of pinnae are fused to the rachis. A neighbor of mine once commented that “ferns belong in the woods,” as if they should only exist in places where she won’t see them. Relationships:   There are about 14-20 species of Woodwardia in the northern hemisphere, with only 3 species in the U.S. and Canada. where it is listed as threatened. Part-shade with moist yet well-drained limey soil seems to suit them best. The leaves are lancolate and erect, and usually grouped together at the base, forming spiral patterns of growth. Some Dryopteris are evergreen and keep their foliage all year round. The plants on this list meet the following criteria: Our fern database is organized by botanical and common names as well as categories such as drought tolerant, groundcover, evergreen etc…. This is not a treefern at all, but it is certainly one of the most impressive temperate evergreen ferns and can look very tropical in the right setting. I find it sad that she doesn’t see the beauty & resilience that ferns bring to nature, here in the Pacific Northwest -- and to the gardens, public and residential, where they’ve arisen or have been planted. Kruckeberg’s Holly Fern, P. kruckebergii is believed to be a fertile hybrid of P. lonchitis & P. lemmonii. They are shiny and dark.. Each flower is composed of a deeply five-parted urn shaped and are pink to white. Here in the Pacific Northwest, mostly everyone is familiar with the appearance of ferns in the woodlands. Relationships: There are about 150-220 species of Blechnum (generally known as Hard Ferns or Midsorus Ferns) throughout the world, most are from tropical regions in the southern hemisphere, with just a few in the temperate regions of both hemispheres.  This genus spans the globe from the southern-most fern species, B. penna-marina, from Cape Horn to arctic regions in Iceland and Norway.  A few Ecuadorean species reach tree stature growing up to 3 meters tall.  Only two other species occur in the mainland United States (in the Gulf States & Florida)—these and 5 additional species also occur in Puerto Rico. In the Pacific Northwest they look their best in rich alluvial floodplains west of the Cascades where the soil stays evenly moist all during the growing season. Ferns, mosses and fungi are also abundant in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in shaded forests and rainforests. Relationships:  There are about 200 species in Adiantum worldwide, with about 9 native to the mainland United States and Canada, and about 11 more found in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  Northern Maidenhair, Adiantum pedatum, from the Eastern United States, is very similar.  A key must be used to distinguish the two, — A. aleuticum sometimes has ascending or vertical pinnae, A. pedatum always are horizontal. It puts on quite a show in the spring. Oxalis oregana (evergreen form) (4-9, 14-24) —evergreen redwood sorrel Sarcococca ruscifolia (4-9, 14-24) —sweetbox. It is found sporadically in the Cascades, Sierras, & Rocky Mountains on rocks and cliffs and is considered rare or imperiled in Alaska, Montana, Idaho, California and B.C. Distribution: Deer Fern is found in Europe, northern Asia, Japan and in western North America from southern Alaska to the central California coast; mostly west of the Cascades, but it also is reaches east to the Idaho panhandle. Diagnostic Characters: It has large, feathery 2-3 pinnate fronds, tapering at both ends, arising from a cluster of scaly rhizomes.  Sori, or spore cases, are elongated and curved, oblong to horseshoe-shaped. Maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) This is a splendid, tough and tiny fern . Although we are talking about plants that are ideal for small spaces these plants will work great in larger gardens too! Jun 8, 2020 - Here are three ferns that we really enjoy. Late winter or early spring is the best timing, before the new fronds start to emerge. Ferns are a shade-garden staple. Names:  Dryo- comes from a Greek word meaning tree, or more specifically oak—the same root as is found in the words dryad and druid.  Pteris means fern.  Expansa means expanding or spreading.  Botanical synonyms include D. austriaca, D. assimilis, and D. dilatata.  This species is also known as Arching, Northern, Spiny, Redwood, or Creekbank Wood fern; Northern, Alpine or Broad Buckler Fern; or Shield Fern. In the Pacific Northwest they look their best in rich alluvial floodplains west of the Cascades where the soil stays evenly moist all during the growing season. Sword fern is an especially great pick because its arching, deep green fronds add fantastic texture to a low-maintenance garden. americanum.  It is much smaller, with narrower, crinkled fronds. Deer Fern has also been used as a houseplant. Evergreen sterile fronds are narrow, dark green, and leathery, with closely set leaflets. It does better in shady situations where its fronds will not burn. Thanks to a cool, moist climate, magnificent stands of sword fern (Polystichum munitum) grow in great sweeps on forest floors and form delicate tufts of green lace on rocky cliffs.In cities, wind-driven fern spores land and take root on bits of debris caught along downspouts, making feathery little clumps that march up the sides of old brick buildings. Pacific Northwest Native / Pellea / Phlebosia / Polypodium / Polystichum / Proliferous / Pyrrosia / Rabbit's Foot Fern / Royal Fern / Rumohra / Selaginella / Semi-Evergreen / Shield Fern / Spikemoss / Spleenwort / Sub-dimorphic / Sub-Evergreen / Sub-Tropical / Sword Fern / Tongue Fern / Tree Fern / Tropical / U.S. It is also referred to by various names, Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub, Japanese andromeda or Japanese pieris.Besides being an attractive shrub, it is a hardy and low maintenance plant. Habitat:  It is usually found in moist forests, but it is probably the most adaptable of all our ferns and can take a bit more sun than other ferns and some dry periods. Wetland designation: FACU, it usually occurs in non-wetlands but occasionally is found in wetlands. Relationships: There are only about 8 species of gymnocarpium, mostly in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.   Common names of G. dryopteris include Western or Northern Oak Fern.  Dryopteris disjuncta is a botanical synonym.  Many of the western forms appear to be diploid, as opposed to the European and eastern U.S. tetraploids, and are now often given the name, Pacific or Western Oak Fern, G. disjunctum (disjunct- means separated). It comes from low altitude cool coniferous woodlands, where it thrives in damp and lightly shaded conditions, but is a tough plant able to tolerate occasional drought. Growth:  Fronds typically grow 1-5 feet (0.4-1.5 m) but may grow up to 9 feet (3m). Diagnostic Characters: Narrow Beech Fern resembles Oak Fern, but is larger, to 40 cm, and a darker green, with long, triangular fronds. Depending on the species of fern, several vegetative propagation methods are also possible.  Rhizomes may be divided.  Some species produce small “bulblets” or vegetative buds that may be detached to form new plants. Use by People: The roots and young shoots were cooked and eaten as an emergency food; the young tender stems can also be peeled and the center portion eaten to relieve hunger; the leaves eaten to prevent thirst.  The leaflets have been chewed to treat cancer, lung disorders and stomach problems; and a decoction of the root to treat diarrhea.  The leaves were used medicinally on skin sores, which is said to have been learned by watching deer rub their antler stubs in this plant.  The fronds were also used to line pits for baking camas (along with Sword Fern) and have been used for bedding. Anderson’s Holly Fern, P. andersonii is much rarer; found in deep woods in the mountains.  Fronds grow to 1 meter.   It has a conspicuously chaffy fiddlehead and leaf stalk.  Pinnae are deeply cut making it appear doubly pinnate.  Bulblets form at the base of pinnae near the tip and may grow into a new plant when the frond touches the ground! Fern Foundation Favorites. Sword Fern rhizomes were considered a starvation food. Disjunctum refers to the separation of this species from G. dryopteris. Western Maidenhair is sure to evoke memories for avid hikers of enchanting waterfalls, where it grows on cliffs within reach of water spray.  But the gardener should make sure this charmer gets planted in a shady place with plenty of moisture. Relationships:  There are about 180 species of Athyrium worldwide; with only two species in the mainland United States. I cannot choose among the five listed; they are all superb. Distribution of Adiantum aleuticum from USDA Plants Database. In the Landscape:  Hitchcock writes: Deer Fern “is a truly choice fern usable in many places in the garden, but so common as to have little appeal to most gardeners.”  That said, it is one of the best native ferns for landscapes, second only to Sword Fern.  Although at home in a woodland garden, it can adapt to many situations, given adequate shade and/or moisture. Welcome to the Hardy Fern Foundation Database! Alaska Holly Fern, P. setigerum, is presumed to a hybrid between P. munitum and P. braunii.  Fronds are 2-pinnate about the middle, finely spiny-toothed.  It is found in lowland coastal forests in Alaska and B.C.  It may be able find a niche in a cool, moist woodland garden. As such, it performs well in Northwest gardens, creating excellent, dense hedges and windbreaks. When the fiddleheads are unfurling, many of the Dryopteris have attractive scales in the tips, as well as along the base of the stipe in mature fronds. Fronds may be used as nesting material by rodents or in dens of larger animals. They are among the most beautiful of ferns. Use by People:   Natives in California used the leaves for fiber to make baskets, and to line the top and bottom of an earth oven for baking acorn bread and other foods. Fertile fronds have edges that are rolled under. It is smaller (20-60cm) with overlapping, somewhat infolded leaflets and only scarcely scaly stipes (petioles). (Felix means happy or fruitful/fertile; a happy or fruitful lady could also be an appropriate name for this aggressive fern!). Other Polystichum sp., native to the Pacific Northwest: Narrowleaf Sword Fern, P. imbricans is similar to Western Sword Fern and once was classified as a variety of P. munitum.  It is smaller (20-60cm) with overlapping, somewhat infolded leaflets and only scarcely scaly stipes (petioles).  It is a better choice for a sunny spot. In the Landscape: Hitchcock thought this was perhaps the best ornamental species of our Marsh Ferns. Ostrich ferns are easily grown in average, medium to wet soil in part shade to full shade. In the Landscape: Spreading Wood Fern is easy to grow and its fine-textured, lacy leaves are ideal for a woodland garden. **Use of articles and photos on this site is permitted for educational purposes only. Mostly found in dry open areas. Deciduous fertile fronds are stiff and upright, with widely spaced leaflets. Mature size: 2' tall and wide. There are a lot of plants that do well in partially shady situations. Kwakiutl Holly Fern, P. kwakiutlii is known only from the type specimen, collected at Alice Arm, British Columbia in 1934. Woodwardia fimbriata, the giant chain fern, is a Blechnum relative native to the Pacific Northwest. For low groundcover use, oak fern is unsurpassed. That’s a question we commonly field from our Portland landscaping clients. Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) is a large evergreen fern that can be found in most woodland areas. Easy to grow, this medium-large evergreen fern is hardy and symmetrical. Many Pacific Northwest native plants grow in low-light forested areas. The Olympic rain forest abounds with ferns of many types, but the sword fern is probably the most prolific. Cutting Back Your Outdoor Fern. Dec 14, 2019 - Since winter is well on its way, this seems like a good time to give a nod to a distinctive evergreen fern that brings elegance and function to moist, west coast coniferous forests, … Diagnostic Characters: Large, erect fronds form from a crown of scaly rhizomes.  Fronds are once-pinnate with alternate pointed, sharp-toothed leaflets; each leaflet with a small lobe pointed forward at the base.  Sori (spore cases) are large and round arranged in two rows on the undersides of the fronds halfway between the midvein and margins. This is a native plant to the Pacific Northwest. Diagnostic Characters: The sterile, bright-green fronds grow nearly vertical in vase-like clusters.  They are broadest in the middle upper ¼ of the frond and are once-pinnate with deeply cut pinnae.  Brown, fertile fronds are shorter (60cm) and narrower, leaf tissue curling over the spore cases; they persist over winter, releasing spores in early spring. Combined with evergreen groundcovers, which do bloom, they fashion a beautiful, mixed interest garden bed that should require very little work during the gardening year. Braun’s Holly Fern, P. braunii, is big (to 1m) and has twice pinnate leaves with no basal lobes. Being evergreen, it is often used in … In the Landscape: This species, with its graceful, lacy, bright, yellow-green fronds, is very eye-catching.  It may, however be a little too aggressive for a formal garden, but is ideal for a wild, moist, woodland garden, where it can freely multiply.  It dies back completely in winter.  Some may consider the withered fronds a bit unsightly. Ferns are a shade-garden staple. We are continually updating and adding new ferns to this collection. Distribution of Western Sword Fern from USDA Plants Database. Over time single plants will spread by underground rhizomes to form dense colonies. Today they have a more limited distribution in tropical or subtropical regions and the temperate … Its two types of fronds are very distinct. 2’-3’. Habitat: This species grows best in moist to wet forests and along streambanks. Wetland designation: FAC+, Facultative, it is equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands. Names:    The genus is named after British botanist Thomas J. Woodward.  Chain Ferns get their common name from the chain-like rows of oblong sori on the undersides of the pinnae.  The species name, fimbriata means fringed, due to the margins having many tiny spines.  This species may also be called Western Chain Fern or Giant Chain Ferry.  The rhizomes were peeled and then boiled or baked in a pit on hot rocks covered with fronds.  The fronds were used frequently for lining baking pits and storage baskets; and were spread on drying racks to prevent berries from sticking.  They were variously used for placemats, floor coverings, bedding; and for games, dancing skirts and other decorations.  They are frequently used today in flower arrangements.  Deciduous, 20-70 cm long, fronds are narrow and 2-3 pinnate, with the lowermost pinnae about the same length as adjacent pinnae.  It is preferred moose forage. Here are a few of my favorite ferns to use in the landscape: Giant Chain Fern , Woodwardia fimbriata , is a Pacific Northwest native that gets 4-5′ tall. Diagnostic Characters: Deer fern has two types of fronds: narrow, evergreen, once-pinnate (or deeply lobed), sterile leaves spread outward, growing 10-80 cm long; even narrower, taller (1-3 feet), fertile fronds grow erect, from the center, soon withering after spore dispersal.  The once-pinnate leaflets on the fertile fronds are much narrower and roll almost tube-like around the continuous sori.  Leaf stalks are a dark, purplish-brown, and grow from a short, thick rhizome. These evergreen ferns have stiff, leathery fronds that are narrow and lance-shaped with overlapping pinnae. Licorce Fern is a well known medicinal herb used for coughs & sore throats. All selections in the Great Plant Picks have been chosen for their suitability in USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8, which covers most of the Pacific Northwest, west of the Cascades. The sterile fronds (pictured above) are 8 to 20″ long, evergreen, and prostrate, while the fountain-like fertile fronds, which emerge in the spring, are 16 to 24″ long, deciduous, and erect. Tolerating more sun than other northwest ferns, this species is found growing on steep wooded slopes or on sunny riverbanks along the Pacific coast, west of the Cascades, and into Arizona. Here are his recom-mendations for the Pacific Northwest. Coastal Wood Fern, Dryopteris arguta, is more common in California and western Oregon but can be found in a few locales northwards to areas surrounding Vancouver, B.C.  It is also known as Marginal Wood Fern, or Western Shield Fern.  Arguta means sharp-toothed.  Coastal Wood Fern grows in moist forest edges, rocky sea cliffs and drier oak woodlands.  It has scale-like chaff on its leaf stalk and evergreen glandular leaves.  Fronds are feather-shaped, 20-60 cm. It is also used for flavoring. These plants are evergreen and look great all year long (at least in the Pacific Northwest where we garden). Habitat: This species grows in moist to wet forests, streambanks, and shady, seepy cliff crevices. Diagnostic Characters: Deciduous fronds are usually clustered and erect to wide-spreading. Although ferns don't bloom, their unique forms and textures provide exceptional visual interest in the garden. Common Western Ferns 1) Deer Fern 2) Sword/Christmas Fern 3) Bracken Fern 4) Lady Fern 5) Oak Fern. Use by People:  Natives used the stems of Maidenhair Fern in basketry designs.  They also used a tea made from the leaves as a hair wash.  The Quinault burnt the leaves and rubbed ashes in their hair to make it long, shiny and black.  California natives used the stems for pierced earrings, either alone or with feathers; inserting them into the ear lobe to keep the hole from closing.  The leaves were also chewed for internal wounds, chest pain, or stomach trouble.  Capillaire cough syrup originally made from A. capillus-veneris has also been made from A. aleuticum. Habitat:  In the Pacific Northwest, these ferns grow in shady, moist woods, streambanks and wet cliffs.  Despite its name, it is not usually found in association with oaks, preferring mixed coniferous forests.  Wetland designation: FAC, Facultative, it is equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands. Use by People: Natives sometimes ate the fiddleheads (the uncurling new growth of fronds) or rhizomes of ferns. Provides winter protection for birds. For dampish places in the garden, the large evergreen chain fern is majestic. This lovely evergreen fern is almost al-ways found within sight or sound of the Pacific Ocean, but has adapted well to gardens elsewhere in the Northwest. Oak Fern and Vanilla Leaf on a forest floor. Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern). Use by People: The presence of Oak Fern was a sign of water for the Okanagan tribe when travelling through the mountains. Names: Narrow Beech Fern is also known asLong or Northern Beech Fern.Scientificsynonyms include: Thelyopteris phegopteris Dryopteris phegopteris, Phegopteris polypodioides, Polypodium connectile, and Polypodium phegopteris. Outdoor evergreen ferns should be cut down every year. Prices and download plans . WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum, E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia, Western Maidenhair Fern            Maidenhair Fern family—Pteridaceae. Ferns date back to the beginning of the Carboniferous period (360 million years ago) and are relatively abundant in the fossil record.  They are a diverse group, ranging from tiny aquatic plants, such as our Pacific Mosquitofern, Azolla filiculoides, to large tree ferns, Cyathea sp., which may reach more than 72 feet (24m) high and have fronds 15 feet (5m) or more in length.  Tree ferns were more common during the time of the dinosaurs.  Today they have a more limited distribution in tropical or subtropical regions and the temperate rainforests of Australia and New Zealand. Beautiful red flowers in early spring. Pieris is long-lived, adaptable and suitable for container gardening. Cutting Back Your Outdoor Fern. Growth: Sterile, deciduous fronds grow to nearly 6 feet in moist, moderate climates.  In less than ideal conditions it is often much shorter, usually 1-5ft. Growing Conditions: Fertile, rich, well-drained soil; deep or partial shade In the Landscape: Ostrich Fern is a popular garden ornamental.  Although spectacularly beautiful in the early summer, it may start looking haggard later in the summer, depending on local conditions.  It prefers a moist, cool location protected from winds.  It is easily propagated by division. Polystichum lonchitus in the wild and in the … Distribution: G. dryopteris is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, whereas G. disjunctum is confined to the coastal northwest of North America and the Pacific coast of Russia.  G. dryopteris is listed as endangered, threatened or vulnerable in Illinois, Maryland, Iowa, Ohio, Rhode Island, and New York. Use by Wildlife: Spreading Wood Fern is eaten in small amounts by Blue Grouse and Mountain Goats.  Some Dryopteris sp. Very cold hardy (9) Water Needs. This is our own shapely Pacific NW counterpart to the eastern Dryopteris campyloptera, and is sometimes found listed by native plant suppliers under its old name of D. austriaca.D. Rhizomes: Spreading Wood Fern appears to have been the favorite fern rhizome eaten by natives. Lady Fern rhizomes may have been eaten as well although it may have been confused with Wood Fern. are used as a larval food plant for moths. Many tribes ate the plentiful Bracken Fern rhizomes, but again, caution should be taken due to toxicity & carcinogenic concerns.  Most, however, were considered famine food. Polystichum munitum (AGM), the western sword fern, is one of the most abundant hardy evergreen ferns in the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska, through Canada and down to California. Pacific Northwest Early Spring Wild Edible Foraging, Part 2: Horsetail & Lady Fern Fiddleheads It’s mid-April, and Spring is in full bloom here in the Pacific Northwest. Western Oak Fern  Gymnocarpium dryopteris (L.) Newman   (jim-no-KARP-ee-um  dry-OP-ter-is)  (Tetraploid N-80)             &, Pacific Oak Fern  Gymnocarpium disjunctum (Rupr.) Male Fern, Dryopteris felix-mas, is common throughout much of the northern hemisphere.  It is found throughout northeastern and western North America, only spottily in the Pacific Northwest.  Felix-mas means fruitful or happy male.  Deciduous, sometimes evergreen, non-glandular fronds are broadly lance-shaped, 20-120 cm long, and 1-2 pinnate. It finds its way into … They can be propagated by division. These evergreen ferns have stiff, leathery fronds that are narrow and lance-shaped with overlapping pinnae. (Diploid N=40). Fronds are occasionally browsed by deer, hare or grouse. Deer Fern                                          Chain Fern family–Blechnaceae. Plant Name: Polystichum munitum. Distribution of Ostrich Fern from USDA Plants Database. It is a robust, leathery fern with year-round glossy, green fronds. The Pieris japonica is a perfect year-round evergreen shrub and a recommended plant for adding interest in a winter garden design. Much of the terminology used to describe ferns comes from their similarity in appearance to bird feathers.  In botany, pinnae are the leaflets of the pinnately compound leaf, whereas in zoology pinnae are feathers.  Pinnate leaves are those that have leaflets arranged along a stem, making it long like a feather; in contrast to palmately compound leaves where all the leaflets arise at one point like some palm leaves, spread out like the palm of your hand. In the Landscape:   About Woodwardia fimbriata, Hitchcock writes: “This is surely our choicest large fern.”  Being the largest, it is certainly the most impressive of all our ferns, it performs best in a woodland garden especially next to streams, bogs, springs or ponds, but it can also grow in full sun with adequate summer moisture.  It can be very striking as a focal point or when planted against a wall in a shady location.  It readily produces “sporeling plants” in wet areas.  It also may be propagated in the spring by division of the rhizomes–but judicious collection of spores is preferable where this species is rare. Fiddleheads: Ostrich Fern fiddleheads are considered the best for edibility; they are more common on the east coast and are only found in BC in our region. Bracken Fern fiddleheads were eaten by some natives but are now known to be poisonous to livestock & are considered carcinogenic. Lady Fern fiddleheads were also sometimes eaten by natives. It may have fronds in excess of 9' long. Five Desirable Plants for Every Northwest Garden. It thrives with native conifers, and in the Pacific Northwest they may include western redcedar (Thuja plicata), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), grand fir (Abies grandis), noble fir (Abies procera), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), and coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), depending on the location. Alpine Lady Fern, Athyrium americanum is found on open, rocky slopes along streams in our mountains.  It is also known as A. distentifolium var. Habitat: It grows in moist forests, streambanks, and mountain slopes. Wetland designation: FACW, It usually occurs in wetlands, but is occasionally found in non-wetlands. In the Landscape: Oak Ferns make a nice groundcover in a woodland garden; their lush, bright green fronds brighten a dark forest floor. Distribution: It is found in many of the temperate regions in the northern hemisphere.  In North America, it is found throughout much of the northeast and across Canada; but only reaches the west coast in southern Alaska and British Columbia.  It is listed as rare, of special concern or vulnerable in Indiana, Rhode Island and New York. It may have fronds in excess of 9' long. *All photographs on this site were taken by Dana, Edmund or Sky Bressette unless otherwise noted. Ht. Plant Name: Polystichum munitum. They get berries on them that the birds love. Growth: This species grows 4-30 inches (10-75 cm) tall. Ching   (jim-no-KARP-ee-um dis-junkt-um)    –Formerly considered a subspecies of G. dryopteris. The low-growing sterile fronds spread horizontally from a basal tuft, while the fertile fronds are thin and deciduous and grow erect, directly from the center of the clump. The thick, heavily-textured fronds can reach 12 inches in length in the garden, but are generally smaller and more compact in the wild. Use by wildlife:  Deer fern provides valuable forage for deer, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, elk, moose, and caribou. Wildlife Value: Ferns have very little value for wildlife. Evergreen and semi-evergreen ferns help bring form, shape and texture to shady garden areas all year round. Use by People: The fiddleheads are sometimes eaten raw, or cooked, most notably in Japan; the flavor is sometimes compared to asparagus.  As with all ferns, caution is advised, especially consuming raw parts.