Korean Rockfern
/
(Polystichum luctuosum)
Korean Rockfern (Polystichum luctuosum)
/
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/deed.en | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Summary
Polystichum luctuosum, commonly known as Korean rockfern or Tsushima holly fern, is an evergreen to semi-evergreen fern that forms small, clump-like tufts. It is native to rocky slopes and forest margins in East Asia, particularly in Japan, China, Taiwan and Vietnam, as well as Southern Africa. This fern typically grows to about 1–1.5 feet in height and width, with a stipe (the fern’s stem) up to 30 cm long, colored pale to mid-brown and adorned with dark brown to almost black scales. The fronds are bi-pinnate, glossy, and dark green, contributing to the plant’s lush appearance.
Korean rockfern is valued for its hardiness and the textural contrast its glossy fronds provide in shaded garden areas. It is often used in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and as ground cover in shaded areas. This fern thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers well-draining soil. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from common fern ailments such as root rot if overwatered or if drainage is poor. It does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Korean rockfern is valued for its hardiness and the textural contrast its glossy fronds provide in shaded garden areas. It is often used in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and as ground cover in shaded areas. This fern thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers well-draining soil. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from common fern ailments such as root rot if overwatered or if drainage is poor. It does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
native to rocky slopes and forest margins in East Asia, particularly in Japan, China, Taiwan and Vietnam, as well as Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Tsushima Holly Fern
Scientific Names: Polystichum tsus-simense, Polystichum luctuosum, Aspidium tsus-simense, Aspidium luctuosum, Polystichum falcilobum, Polystichum tsus-simense var. parvipinnulum, Aspidium aculeatum subsp. pallescens, Aspidium aculeatum var. pallescens, Polystichum lobatum var. luctuosum
GBIF Accepted Name: Polystichum luctuosum (Kunze) T.Moore