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Key characteristics

Family: Blechnaceae
Height: 12 to 24 inches
Width: 12 to 24 inches
Flower color: Non-flowering
Foliage color: Glossy dark green, evergreen
Bloom time: Non-flowering
Light: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low; remove old fronds as needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: Provides cover for small birds and mammals; deer-resistant

Perennials

Blechnum spicant

Deer Fern

Blechnum spicant is an evergreen fern characterized by its two distinct types of fronds. The sterile fronds form a low-growing rosette of dark green, leathery leaves that lie close to the ground, while the fertile fronds rise upright from the center and are more slender and divided. Although ferns do not produce flowers, their vibrant, textured foliage provides year-round visual interest, particularly in shaded or woodland settings.

Light

Part shade to full shade

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Non-flowering

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Bird Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff

Design tip

Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)