Staghorn Fern

An evergreen, epiphytic fern with distinctive fronds that resemble the forked antlers of a stag; leathery, gray-green fronds grow outward from the crown; water crowns regularly and do not allow to dry out; an interesting plant for baskets or containers

Height: 3 feet. Spread: 3 feet. Sun: partial shade to full shade. Hardiness zone: 9a.

Ornamental features

Staghorn Fern is primarily valued in the garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. Its attractive large deeply cut lobed leaves emerge light green in spring, turning grayish green in color the rest of the year.

Landscape

Staghorn Fern is an herbaceous evergreen fern with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Accent, Rock/Alpine Gardens, General Garden Use, Container Planting, Hanging Baskets.

Planting and growing

Staghorn Fern will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.