Ferns🌿 Native to the NetherlandsVery hardy — tolerates frost down to -20°C

Hard fern

Struthiopteris spicant

From€6.45incl. VAT

Select a size to order

Choose a size

–

Hard Fern (Struthiopteris spicant) is an originally native fern with two clearly distinct types of leaves. The low, arching, and mostly evergreen sterile leaves form a rosette. From the center emerge narrower and upright fertile leaves on which spores are formed. The species grows in cool, moist, and nutrient-poor forests, along spring brooks, ditches, hedges, and shaded slopes. Hard Fern requires acidic, lime-poor soil and high humidity. The fertile leaves turn brown after spore maturation, while the sterile rosette usually remains green.

Specific care needed

Use acidic, lime-poor, and nutrient-poor forest soil. Never let the root zone dry out completely and do not use lime or strong fertilizers. Preferably use rainwater if tap water contains a lot of lime.

Year calendar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Pruning period

✂️Best pruning period: Feb–Mar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
✂️ Pruning period

Best pruning period

Remove only completely brown or damaged leaves. Leave healthy evergreen leaves intact.

Botanical profile

Site & soil

Half shade, Shade

Soil type: Sand, Loam, Peat, Humus-rich

Moisture need: Moderately moist, Moist

pH: Acidic (<5.5), Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5)

Nutrient richness: Very nutrient-poor, Nutrient-poor

Humus content: Moderately humus-rich, Humus-rich, Peaty

Water drainage: Well draining, Moisture-retentive

Appearance & season

Mature height: 25-65cm

Bloom: Niet van toepassing

Autumn colour: The fertile leaves turn brown, but the sterile leaves usually remain green.

Properties

Salt sensitive: Yes

Edible: No

Do not use for consumption.

Scent: No distinctive odor. The leaf may smell slightly green and earthy when touched.

Creeping rhizome: No

Ecological value

The leaves can be utilized by specialized fern-feeders and offer cover for beetles, spiders, snails, and other small invertebrates. The evergreen rosette forms a sheltered and moist space near the ground even outside the growing season. The fern protects acidic forest soil from drying out and erosion. Soil organisms and fungi break down dead fertile leaves. Birds, amphibians, and small mammals can search for invertebrates among the leaves or find shelter.

Food web & Biodiversity

🐛 Caterpillars & mothsUseful

🐝 Bees & bumblebeesLimited

🪰 HoverfliesUseful

🦋 ButterfliesUseful

🪲 Beetles & insectsVery useful

🐦 BirdsUseful

🐿️ MammalsUseful

🐞 Other animalsVery useful

Hard Fern provides no food for pollinators, but the leaves and moist rosette are used by small insects and other invertebrates. The plant offers shelter for a large part of the year. Birds, shrews, and amphibians benefit indirectly from the animals living among the leaves.

Distribution in the Netherlands