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Description
Struthiopteris Spicant, commonly known as the Deer Fern, is a fern that belongs to the family Blechnaceae. It is a native plant of the northern hemisphere, and it is commonly found in moist and shady areas such as forests, swamps, and bogs. The plant has a unique appearance, with fronds that look like antlers or deer horns, giving it its common name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Blechnaceae |
| Genus | Struthiopteris |
Appearance
The Deer Fern has fronds that are bipinnate, meaning that they have two types of pinnae (leaflets). The sterile fronds are shorter and have a more upright growth habit, while the fertile fronds are longer and droop towards the ground. The fronds can grow up to 2 feet in length and 6 inches in width. The leaflets are usually dark green, but can sometimes have a bluish-green tint. The plant is deciduous, meaning that it will lose its leaves in the winter.
Care Guide
The Deer Fern is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant likes moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, make sure not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer should be enough.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Deer Fern is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which can eat the leaves. To prevent this, use slug bait or copper tape around the base of the plant. The plant can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Deer Fern is a native plant of the northern hemisphere, and it is commonly found in moist and shady areas such as forests, swamps, and bogs. It is often used in landscaping as a ground cover or in rock gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Deer Fern grow in full sun?
A: No, the Deer Fern prefers partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
Q: Does the Deer Fern require a lot of fertilizer?
A: No, the Deer Fern does not require much fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer should be enough.
Q: Is the Deer Fern a deciduous plant?
A: Yes, the Deer Fern is deciduous, meaning that it will lose its leaves in the winter.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Deer Fern?
A: The Deer Fern is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Related Plants
- Struthiopteris Fallax
- Struthiopteris Spicant ‘Crispa’
- Struthiopteris Spicant ‘Herrenhausen’
- Struthiopteris Spicant ‘Plumosum’
References
- “Struthiopteris spicant.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m450.
- “Deer Fern.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10250/Struthiopteris-spicant/Details.
- “Struthiopteris spicant.” Plant Finder. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/struthiopteris-spicant.
