Blechnum spicant

DEER FERN, LADDER FERN, HARD FERN
Family: Blechinaceae
Pronounced: BLEK-num   SPEE-kant

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
North America: Alaska, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Europe, and N.E. Asia.
Plant Group:
Ferns.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2b-7, 14-19, 24.
USDA zones: 5-8.
Heat zones: 8-5.
Mature size:
Height: 8-20 inches (20-50 cm).
Width: 3 feet (60 cm).
Leaf attributes:
Lance-shaped and pinnate, dark green, evergreen fronds.
Growth habit:
Compact growth habit, creeping rhizomes.
Light:
Partial to deep shade.
Soil:
Humus rich (preferably with leaf mold), moist, acidic soil.
Feeding:
None needed.
Propagation Methods:
Divide in spring.
Sow spores in late summer.

 

Rainy Side Notes

 

Deer fern are native in different areas around the globe. They are easily identifiable when its ladder-like, fertile, deciduous fronds, which grow stiffly upright in the center, are present. The outer, sterile evergreen fronds spread out in a rosette around the perimeter.

Blechnum is the Greek word for this hardy fern, while spicant means a tufted hard fern; in other words (and I can't resist saying), it's a hardy, hard fern. It ranges from sea to alpine altitudes, yet looks its best in a mossy woodland setting with plenty of moisture and acidic soil. New growth is a pale green compared to its mature deep green foliage.

An easy little fern to grow in our maritime gardens in Pacific Northwest acidic soil, it thrives in the shade, but can even handle full sun if given extra supplemental watering. In my garden, it grows under our native vine maple mdash; Acer circinatum. However, the fern also thrives on neglect under my Chinese redbud tree—Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' and beneath an arbor.

Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island in Washington State has an enormous moss garden filled with these little fern beauties. The garden is kept in pristine condition with not one moss hair out of place. If you haven't visited this estate, filled with beautiful gardens, you are in for a treat.

Wildlife

Deer and mountain goats graze on these ferns; after the deer's antlers break off, they rub the sore stubs on the fronds.

Ethnobotany

Native Americans observed the animals doing this and began to use it for their skin sores. They chewed the foliage for internal cancer treatments, digestive aid, and for diarrhea. A poultice made from the fronds was applied to areas of the body afflicted with paralysis, and other ailments.

When there was no other food available, two tribes used the ferns as "starvation food" eating it only as a last resort. Others placed the fronds under food in their steaming pits. Other uses included frond fiber for bedding, rugs, and mats.

Top image photographed at Bloedel Reserve; bottom image photographed in the Treherne and Michel garden. Both gardens located on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

A Pacific Northwest Plant of the Week (2012)