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Japanese painted fern and Christmas fern: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Japanese painted fern Athyrium niponicum	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia	Eastern North AmericaSee state guides
Sunlight
Part to full shade	Shade
Soil moisture
Moist, rich, well-drained soil	Average moisture
Mature height
1½–2 ft	1–3 ft
Mature spread
1½–2 ft	1–3 ft
USDA hardiness zones
4–9	3–9
Season of interest
Spring–fall foliage	Evergreen foliage
Garden & wildlife value
Not listed in the source profile; this fern has no flowers or nectar.	Evergreen fronds provide winter cover close to the ground and nesting material for songbirds.
Growing notes
Slowly expands into a clump. Light shade brings out the frond colors; strong sun can wash them out.	A clumping fern for well-drained woodland soil; avoid standing water around the crown.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.