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Japanese holly fern and Western sword fern: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Japanese holly fern Cyrtomium falcatum	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Western sword fern Polystichum munitum
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia, including China and Vietnam	Western North America, from Alaska to MexicoSee state guides
Sunlight
Part to full shade	Shade
Soil moisture
Moist, rich, well-drained soil	Average moisture
Mature height
About 1½–2 ft	3–4 ft
Mature spread
2–3 ft	2–4 ft
USDA hardiness zones
7–10	5–9
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.	Arching evergreen fronds give native wildlife shelter and nesting cover beneath trees.
Growing notes
A clumping fern with glossy, holly-like leaves. Fronds may die back in colder locations.	Suited to cool woodland conditions; give young plants moisture while they establish.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.