2013 Theodore Klein Plant Award Winners

Polysticum acrosticoides (Christmas fern) is an "abundant" (Barnes) native that is mentioned in all Kentucky books and resources. Because of the evergreen nature of the sterile fronds in winter the fern is green at Christmas and there is it's common name. Size descriptions do vary among the experts from 12-18 inches to 36 inches. Tom Barnes and Wharton and Barbor seem to agree that in Kentucky 12-24 inches is typical in Kentucky while to the south the fronds tend to be larger/longer (Schmid, Shade Perennials).The obvious nob or "heel" of each pinnae (leaflet) help identify this fern and again give the Christmas name some meaning as when hung from the tip the pinnae look like a Chirstmas Stocking.

The classic fern appearance, its transplantability and success at establishment makes it a great plant for the garden; especially the shade garden.