Taxonomy

Division:

Pteridophyta | - Ferns

Family:

Polypodiaceae

Genus:

Polystichum

Species:

Polystichum rhizophyllum

USDA Symbol:

PORH2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers shaded woodland environments

Propagation & Germination

Notes:

Fern reproduces via spores; frond tips root where they touch moist substrate to form new plants (walking fern behavior).