Variegated Holly Fern Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- a-rack-nee-OY-dees sim-PLIH-see-or vay-ree-eh-GAY-ta
- Description
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Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata' is an evergreen fern with short, creeping rhizomes. Genus name comes from the Greek word arachne meaning a spider in reference to the spidery aspect of the clusters of spore capsules. Specific epithet from Latin mean simple or unbranched. ‘Variegata’ is a variegated form which features glossy, lime green fronds with deeply divided subdivisions, showcased by a showy soft yellow stripe down the midrib of each pinnule (lance-shaped leaflet).
This plant remains erect well into the winter but is slow to begin new growth in spring. Grow in part to full shade in moist, acidic, and well-drained soil.
VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Arachniodes
- Species:
- simplicior
- Family:
- Polypodiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China and Japan
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Tolerates wet soil and heavy shade. Rarely damaged by rabbits. Resistant to deer.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Fern
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- No fruit; reproduces via spores
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Flowers:
- Flower Description:
- No flowers.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Fronds
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves have dark green, wavy segments with a yellow-green band running along the pinna axis. The blade is bipinnate; plastic-like texture. This ‘Variegata’ is a variegated form which features glossy, lime green fronds with deeply divided subdivisions, showcased by a showy soft yellow stripe down the midrib of each pinnule (lance-shaped leaflet).
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Shade Garden
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Heavy Shade
- Rabbits
- Wet Soil
