Description
Woodsia polystichoides – Holly-fern Woodsia – This tufted, terrestrial or rock dwelling fern from Eastern Asia grows 4-12” tall and 8-16” wide. In early spring, produces lance shaped, pinnate, pale green fronds, to 14” long, softly hairy on both surfaces and scaly beneath, each is composed of 15-30 pairs of narrowly sickle shaped or oblong pinnae, with slightly toothed edges.
Zones 4-8
Woodsia –
There are approximately 25 small, tufted, deciduous, terrestrial or rock dwelling ferns in this genus. They occur naturally in temperate and sub artic regions, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. They have erect, short rhizome, and pinnate to 2 pinnate fronds, with the pinnae sometimes pinnatifid. Sporangia are in cup shaped indusia, which have often deeply cut fringes. Suitable for a shady rock garden.
Grow in sharply drained but moist, fertile soil in partial shade. Position crowns above soil level and surround with small stones. Divide when dormant.
