Polystichum polyblepharum Play pronunciation

The tassel fern earned its name because the fiddleheads transiently flip backwards as they unfurl and look like a tassel. The scientific name for the genus, Polystichum, is Greek for poly (many) and stichos (in a row), which describes the linear arrangement of the sori. The species name, polyblepharum, is Greek for many eyelashes, referring to the bristly scales on the stipe and rachis. The tassel fern is native to southeast China, Japan and Korea.

The tassel fern thrives in a shaded environment, if planted in organically rich, moist, well-drained soil in zones 5-8. It can tolerate short periods of drought but not standing water.

The fronds are dark green, glossy, bipinnate and are described as resembling and erect shuttlecock-like shape. The fronds with overlapping pinnae are showy and are excellent companions in flower arrangements. The stems are coated with bristly scales.

This versatile fern is an excellent choice for partial shade to shade areas in the garden including borders, foundations, or naturalized areas. As an Asian evergreen, it serves well in winter, woodland, cottage and Asian gardens.

Quick ID hints

• The stipe is covered with silver scales.
• The fronds are glossy, dark green, evergreen, lance-shaped,
• Young fronds have long golden hairs
• The pinnae are alternate, overlapping and bipinnate

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Crown rot in poorly drained soil particularly in winter.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.

More information on Polystichum.