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Japanese holly fern and Spreading wood fern: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Japanese holly fern Cyrtomium falcatum	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Spreading wood fern Dryopteris expansa
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia, including China and Vietnam	Subarctic & Temp. Northern Hemisphere.See state guides
Sunlight
Part to full shade	Shade
Soil moisture
Moist, rich, well-drained soil	Average moisture
Mature height
About 1½–2 ft	1–3 ft
Mature spread
2–3 ft	1–3 ft
USDA hardiness zones
7–10	Choose nursery stock suited to local winters.
Season of interest
Evergreen foliage in mild climates	Seasonal fern foliage
Garden & wildlife value
Not listed in the source profile; this fern has no flowers or nectar.	Native fern clumps add dense, finely divided foliage in cool, moist shade.
Growing notes
A clumping fern with glossy, holly-like leaves. Fronds may die back in colder locations.	Give acidic to neutral soil and consistent moisture; protect from hot, drying conditions.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: Kew Additional growing guidance

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.