Compare plants.

Japanese holly fern and ʻĒkaha: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Japanese holly fern Cyrtomium falcatum	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE ʻĒkaha Asplenium nidus
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia, including China and Vietnam	Hawaiian native range: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi.See state guides
Sunlight
Part to full shade	Shade
Soil moisture
Moist, rich, well-drained soil	Average moisture
Mature height
About 1½–2 ft	4+ ft
Mature spread
2–3 ft	4+ ft
USDA hardiness zones
7–10	Choose by island, elevation, and rainfall.
Season of interest
Evergreen foliage in mild climates	Year-round fern foliage
Garden & wildlife value
Not listed in the source profile; this fern has no flowers or nectar.	Broad native fronds provide bold foliage beneath trees or in a sheltered container.
Growing notes
A clumping fern with glossy, holly-like leaves. Fronds may die back in colder locations.	Moisture and shelter suit this slow-growing fern; strong sun can scorch its leaves.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.