Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis) - Ontario Ferns

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Northern Holly Fern
Polystichum lonchitis

Other scientific names: Aspidium lonchitis, Dryopteris lonchitis, Polypodium lonchitis, Polystichum X marginale

French names: Polystic faux-lonchitis

Family: Polypody Family (Polypodiaceae)

Group: Holly Ferns

Similar species:
  •   Braun's Holly Fern (Polystichum braunii) - twice divided: looks more "frilly".
  •   Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) - very similar, but less of an upright look to it.
  •   Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) - much smaller, darker stem.
  •   Polypody (Polypodium virginianum) - different leaflets, much smaller.

Fronds: Once divided

Height: 25-60 cm (10-24 in)

Habitat: Forests

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Uncommon in the south, a lot more common in the north.

Photographs: 139 photographs available, of which 11 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Ferns ● Holly Ferns

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

The whole plant. It closely resembles Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides).

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Another one.

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Leaflets along the stalk.

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Closeup view of the leaflets. Note the sharp points (like holly).

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Underside of the leaflets, showing the indusia. The indusia are evenly spaced in two rows.

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

I don't mean to confuse you but ... this is part of a young frond. The leaflets look sort of like Green Spleenwort (Asplenium viride) (except they're a lot bigger).

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Herbarium specimen showing the whole plant.

(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium,Burlington,Ontario).

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Herbarium specimen showing roots.

(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium,Burlington,Ontario).

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Herbarium specimen showing pattern of sori.

(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium,Burlington,Ontario).

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Herbarium specimen showing pinnae.

(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium,Burlington,Ontario).

Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

Herbarium specimen showing frond tip.

(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium,Burlington,Ontario).

Ferns ● Holly Ferns

Range map for Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)