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Northern Holly Fern

Polystichum lonchitis, Dryopteridaceae

Zones
2–6
Layer
Ground Cover
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Slow

Guild Roles

Ground CoverBeneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (preferred)Full Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)High (seedling)

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Cascade BilberryVaccinium deliciosum
Pollinator SharingNurse Plant
Creeping Oregon GrapeMahonia repens
Shade ProvisionNurse Plant
Starry False Solomon's SealMaianthemum stellatum
Shade Provision

Antagonistic Plants

Braun's Holly FernPolystichum braunii

Congeneric fern species compete for similar microhabitats and soil resources, with overlapping root zones creating direct competition

Bottlebrush TreeGreyia sutherlandii

Dense shrub growth can shade out ferns, while some ferns produce compounds that inhibit woody plant establishment

Uses

Functions

Understory GroundcoverShade PlantAir PurificationNatural Landscaping

Common Questions

What zones does Northern Holly Fern grow in?

Northern Holly Fern grows in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 6.

What are good companion plants for Northern Holly Fern?

Good companions for Northern Holly Fern include Cascade Bilberry, Creeping Oregon Grape, Starry False Solomon's Seal.

Design guilds with Northern Holly Fern and see companion relationships visually.

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