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

COMMON CHOICE Japanese holly fern Cyrtomium falcatum	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Deer fern Blechnum spicant
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia, including China and Vietnam	Western North America; also parts of Europe and AsiaSee state guides
Sunlight
Part to full shade	Shade
Soil moisture
Moist, rich, well-drained soil	Average moisture
Mature height
About 1½–2 ft	9–18 in
Mature spread
2–3 ft	1–2 ft
USDA hardiness zones
7–10	4–8
Season of interest
Evergreen foliage in mild climates	Evergreen foliage
Garden & wildlife value
Not listed in the source profile; this fern has no flowers or nectar.	Evergreen fronds bring a layer of native woodland cover to cool, shaded northwestern gardens.
Growing notes
A clumping fern with glossy, holly-like leaves. Fronds may die back in colder locations.	Also known as Struthiopteris spicant; needs moist, acidic soil and protection from hot, dry conditions.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.