Plant Profile: Polystichum braunii

Polystichum braunii, often referred to as Braun's Holly Fern, is a rhizomatous plant that spreads and forms a crown. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil but can withstand drier conditions once established. Additionally, it favors cooler climates and is rarely affected by deer.

This fern showcases a broad, arching vase shape with glossy, bipinnate fronds that are a deep green and have a leathery texture. The fronds taper towards the base and feature between 20 to 40 pairs of closely arranged pinnae, along with 16 to 18 pairs of bristle-edged, oblong or ovate pinnules. The lower pinnules closely adhere to the rachis. Both the stipe and rachis, along with the fiddlehead, are covered in dense silvery scales that mature to a brown hue.

It's important to note that crown rot can occur in soil that does not drain well.