Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum)

Soft shield fern

Features and Characteristics

Polystichum setiferum, commonly called soft shield fern, is a tufted evergreen to semi-evergreen fern with lance-shaped, bi-pinnate, medium green fronds that grow in shuttlecock form to 3′ tall. Stalks and most midribs are covered with attractive cinnamon-brown scales. Pinnae have serrate, spiny margins. This fern is native to Europe.

Genus name comes from the Greek words polys meaning many and stichos meaning in a row in reference to its spore cases being in rows.

Specific epithet comes from the Latin words setae meaning bristles and fer meaning bearing in reference to the bristle-toothed pinnae.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in fertile, humusy, moist but well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Consider planting rhizome at an angle to help combat potential crown rot problems which most often occur in poorly drained soils. May not be consistently winter hardy in the St. Louis area where it should be planted in a protected location.

Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) Requirements

Hardiness zone	6 - 8
Sun light	Part shade to full shade
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot may occur in poorly drained soils, particularly in winter.

Uses

Excellent selection for shaded borders and rock gardens, woodland gardens and wild gardens.

Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) Details

Common name	Soft shield fern
Botanical name	Polystichum setiferum
Plant type	Fern
Family	Dryopteridaceae
Hardiness zone	6 - 8
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Non-flowering
Flowering period	Non-flowering
Height	2 - 3 ft.
Width	2 - 3 ft.