Anderson's holly fern
ExplorePlants
Anderson's holly fern
Polystichum andersonii
Anderson's holly fern is a beautiful green plant with shiny leaves that look like little holly leaves. It loves to grow in shady places and can be found in forests and along streams.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Anderson's holly fern has long, glossy, dark green fronds that stay vibrant all year. Its leaflets are shaped like tiny holly leaves, with spiny teeth along their edges, giving it a distinctive, rugged look.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyDryopteridaceaeGenusPolystichum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Anderson's holly fern comes from a plant family that has been on Earth for millions of years!
Instead of seeds, this fern releases millions of super-tiny spores that float on the wind!
It loves soggy, shady forests so much, it often grows right next to rushing streams!
Its 'holly' name comes from its spiky leaf edges, making it look like a tiny holly bush!
Special abilities
Ability
Spore Power
Anderson's holly fern can reproduce without seeds or flowers, using tiny spores to spread efficiently in its forest home.
Ability
Evergreen Shield
This fern has evergreen fronds that stay green all winter, helping it absorb sunlight when other plants are dormant.
Ability
Shade Seeker
Anderson's holly fern has adapted to thrive in deep shade, efficiently capturing scarce light on the dark forest floor.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
shelters
Douglas-fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Grows under its canopy in moist forests
shelters
Western Hemlock
Tsuga heterophylla
Thrives in the shade of this common conifer
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Occasionally browsed by deer, especially in winter
Traits
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Anderson's holly fern?
The easiest way to identify Anderson's holly fern is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Anderson's holly fern?
30-100 cm
How wide does Anderson's holly fern spread?
30-60 cm
Is Anderson's holly fern edible?
No
Is Anderson's holly fern toxic?
None
What is Anderson's holly fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is Anderson's holly fern usually found?
Forests
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
