Polystichum braunii Braun's holly fern

Braun's holly fern is our native taxon, which can be found in colder locations in Europe, including the Alps and Scandinavia. It is closely related to polystichum aculeatum, it just makes longer and more upright fronds. Its compound leaves are composed of small, shiny, hairy but glossy leaflets that form 5-10 cm long pinnae. They are grass green and reach a length of up to 80 cm. In the Czech Republic, this fern is listed among endangered species.

Braun's holly fern grows on shady forest slopes with sufficient humidity but good drainage It does not tolerate hot rockeries and dry subsoil. It is best suited to calcareous (alkaline) soil, in nature it often grows on sandstone-clay sedimentary layers. At first glance, it looks like an evergreen species, but don't be surprised when the leaves turn brown after the first severe frosts - they are deciduous to semi-deciduous. After the winter, always remove all foliage and let the whole plant re-grow again with new and fresh leaves. Hardy to approx. -40 ° C (USDA zone 3).

Last update: 16-02-2022