Polystichum setiferum, commonly known as the soft shield fern, is a species of fern native to Europe and western Asia. This perennial plant can grow up to 1.2 meters in height and features bipinnate fronds, which are divided into smaller leaflets. The fronds are soft and delicate in texture, giving the plant its common name.
Soft shield ferns thrive in moist soil and partial shade, though they can tolerate full sun if the soil remains consistently moist. They are popular in gardens as ornamental plants and are often used in landscaping due to their attractive foliage.
Historically, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to have antioxidant properties, which help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Overall, Polystichum setiferum is a beautiful ornamental plant with potential health benefits, making it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape design project.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Fern
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Polystichum
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-8
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Native Area
- Turkey, Austria, Tunisia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Morocco, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Iraq, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Iran, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Romania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Portugal
Other names.
