Earth People LandCare
Deer Fern — Struthiopteris spicant (syn. Blechnum spicant)
Deer Fern — Struthiopteris spicant (syn. Blechnum spicant)
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Struthiopteris spicant (syn. Blechnum spicant)
Deer Fern brings glossy green texture to a sheltered shade garden. Its broad outer fronds form a low skirt around narrower, upright fertile fronds, creating a distinctive woodland accent.
Growing in Southern California
- Light: Shade to part shade; protect from hot afternoon sun.
- Mature size: About 18–24 inches tall and 18–36 inches wide.
- Water & drought: Regular moisture and summer irrigation are important. This moist-forest fern is not a drought-garden choice.
- Soil: Moist, loamy, acidic to neutral soil with drainage; avoid a dry, exposed planting pocket.
- Growth: Clumping; growth can be fast in suitable moist shade.
- Habitat: Adds sheltered understory structure. Ferns reproduce by spores and do not provide nectar flowers.
- Maintenance: Remove dead or damaged fronds selectively while preserving healthy evergreen growth. Monitor moisture during heat.
- Uses: Shaded borders, woodland gardens, sheltered containers and moist rock gardens.
“3/5 Gallon” is a combined container-size range. We confirm the exact container size before collecting payment.
Representative species photograph, not the actual nursery specimen. Photo by James K. Lindsey; CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons. No intentional modifications.
Plant ordering & availability
All plant orders are subject to availability and quality verification. We confirm your plants before collecting payment.
Select your preferred plant and container size when requesting an order. Container sizes describe growing containers, not guaranteed plant height or age. Current availability and plant condition are confirmed individually. Delivery and professional planting are quoted separately unless expressly included.
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