About Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant)
Deer fern (Blechnum spicant) is a resilient and versatile plant native to western North America mainly west of the Cascade mountain range, including areas from southern Alaska to the central California coast. This fern thrives in the coniferous forests and shady sites of the PNW, British Columbia, the Idaho panhandle, while also growing in a somewhat circumpolar range also including western Asia, and northern Africa.
It earned it’s common name from the behavior of deer who were observed by First Nation peoples rubbing their antler stubs on the fern leaves. The leaves were thus used to treat skin sores from this scientific observation.
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Cultural Significance and Traditional Uses
Historically, some indigenous peoples have used deer ferns as an emergency food source. The plant's cultural significance extends to various traditional practices, where it was utilized for both its medicinal properties and its role in the ecosystem. Deer, moose, elk, caribou, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep are known to graze on deer ferns, highlighting their importance in the natural food chain.
How It Grows
Deer ferns are known for their unique structure, featuring different types of fronds: the fertile fronds and the sterile fronds. The evergreen sterile rosette forms a dense ground cover, while the much thinner fertile fronds rise above them at the end of the summer. This fern prefers crumbly soil rich in organic matter and thrives in areas with full shade to partial shade and lots of moisture. Adequate shade and heavy shade conditions are ideal, as it is well-adapted to shady sites and the symbiotic support of a real forest though it can grow in variety of soil types and conditions as long as it has adequate moisture.
Incorporating the Deer Fern in Your Garden
Deer ferns make an excellent addition to a shade garden. To create a lush green space, they can be planted alongside native sword ferns, vine maple, and other shade-tolerant plants. Their ability to thrive in heavy shade makes them perfect for underplanting in coniferous forests or shady garden sites. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and remains moist for optimal growth. Deer ferns can also be used as ground cover, giving your garden a natural, forest-like feel.
Deer fern can also tolerate brighter light conditions and areas of more sun as long as they have some overhead coverage at time of the day and sufficient water. Leaving leaves and needles in the planting areas themselves and allowing to break down naturally encourages the conditions that deer fern thrive in.
FAQ
Does deer fern spread?
Yes, deer ferns can spread to form dense ground cover, especially in ideal shady conditions with rich, crumbly soil.
How big do deer ferns get?
Deer ferns typically grow to about 1-2 feet in height, with the fertile fronds reaching slightly taller heights at the end of the summer.
What eats a deer fern?
Deer ferns are a food source for deer, moose, elk, caribou, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Do deer ferns like sun or shade?
Deer ferns prefer full shade to partial shade. They thrive in shady sites, making them perfect for areas with heavy or adequate shade conditions.
Final Words
Deer ferns are a versatile and hardy native landscape plant to any shade garden. They thrive in coniferous forests of western North America, to western Asia, to northern Africa, providing both ecological benefits and traditional uses. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's lower design layer or add a touch of the forest floor's natural beauty, deer ferns are an excellent choice. Remember to provide them with adequate shade, rich organic matter, and a supportive environment to flourish.
