Deer Fern : Struthiopteris spicant

Plant type: evergreen, perennial, fern
Height: 1-3'

Light: part sun to full shade
Soil: moist to wet

Growth rate: slow
PPL: YES

Mature fronds are deep green and sleeker than sword fern, but this baddie is less adaptable. Prefers acidic, carbon-rich soil with good drainage, maybe sometimes heavy clay with adequate moisture.

A dimorphic fern - sterile evergreen fronds are predominate while fertile fish bone spires rise from the center late in the season. So nonconformist.

Winter hardy; resistant to damage from deer and rabbits.

Highly tasteful in rock and shade gardens.