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Prickly shield fern
Polystichum vestitum
Prickly shield fern is named after its prominent scales on the stems (in the Latin name Polystichum vestitum vestitum means "covered, clothed", referring to its scales). Prickly shield fern is a host plant for a number of insects such as moths and aphids. Though very common within its native range, the species is considered endangered in Tasmania. 
Hardiness Zones
6 to 9
Key Facts About Prickly shield fern
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Attributes of Prickly shield fern
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Fern
Plant Height
70 cm
Spread
1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
10 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Prickly shield fern
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Ferns
Order
Polypodiales
Family
Wood fern
Genus
christmas dagger
Species
Prickly shield fern
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Distribution of Prickly shield fern
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Distribution Map of Prickly shield fern
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Prickly Shield Fern Growth and Care
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Basic Care Guide
Lighting
Full shade
Prickly shield fern flourishes under significant cover, protected from the more intense daylight. Adapted to populate habitats of lower light intensities, it can survive in areas of minor luminary exposure. However, excessive or minimal light can negatively impact its growth, leading to potential health issues.
Best Sunlight Practices Plants Related to Prickly shield fern
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Iranian jerusalem sage
The striking reveal of hooded lilac blooms within the summer months explains iranian jerusalem sage's vast popularity. Its sage-like leaves also draw attention. Iranian jerusalem sage is an ornamental plant frequently planted in beds, borders, cottages, and Mediterranean gardens.
Inverted chamaegastrodia
A species of orchid, inverted chamaegastrodia (Chamaegastrodia inverta) has a very particular preferred habitat: In its native China, it is found in damp places within forests and along valleys. All members of the genus Chamaegastrodia inverta are essentially Himalayan and are adapted to survive in this harsh climate. Consequently, it is rarely cultivated outside its native range, as it is finicky about living conditions.
Indian yellow-eyed grass
When in bloom, the small yellow flowers of indian yellow-eyed grass (*Xyris indica*) appear to be growing atop tiny pine cones at the end of each stalk. This perennial prefers swamps and other moist habitats in subtropical Asia and Australia.
Indian valley false mallow
Indian valley false mallow is often found in the wild growing along stony ridges, hillsides, and floodplains. This plant has become an invasive weed in many non-native countries, so use is often discouraged in home gardens.
Indian heynea
Native to hilly, forested regions, indian heynea is a small, semi-deciduous tree that is harvested locally for its wood and seed oil, the latter of which is usually used in oil lamps. Because of ongoing habitat loss, it is considered endangered in Nepal. It is being planted as part of a reforestation effort in northern Thailand.
Imbricate phacelia
Imbricate phacelia is a perennial herb native to California. The black tail bumblebee frequents these bell-shaped flowers that grow on bristly stems. This plant grows up to 1 m tall and is found across a variety of habitats.
Mother shield fern
Mother shield fern (Polystichum proliferum) got its common name in reference to the shield-like protective covering that grows across its spore clusters. This plant has a useful growth system where it spreads by drooping fronds that root and produce new growth. For this reason, mother shield fern makes an excellent groundcover. It is also easy to propagate in new locations using these rooting fronds.
Soft shield fern
Soft shield fern has soft-textured foliage that makes this evergreen fern a very popular ornamental plant. It's cultivated worldwide as a garden ornamental and it prefers moist but well-drained soil.
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About
More Info
Distribution
More About How-Tos
Related Plants
Prickly shield fern
Polystichum vestitum
Prickly shield fern is named after its prominent scales on the stems (in the Latin name Polystichum vestitum vestitum means "covered, clothed", referring to its scales). Prickly shield fern is a host plant for a number of insects such as moths and aphids. Though very common within its native range, the species is considered endangered in Tasmania.
Hardiness Zones
6 to 9
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Key Facts About Prickly shield fern
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Attributes of Prickly shield fern
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Fern
Plant Height
70 cm
Spread
1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
10 - 35 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Prickly shield fern
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Ferns Order
Polypodiales Family
Wood fern Genus
christmas dagger Species
Prickly shield fern 
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Distribution of Prickly shield fern
Feedback
Distribution Map of Prickly shield fern
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Lighting
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Full shade
Ideal
Less than 3 hours of sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness. Essentials
Prickly shield fern flourishes under significant cover, protected from the more intense daylight. Adapted to populate habitats of lower light intensities, it can survive in areas of minor luminary exposure. However, excessive or minimal light can negatively impact its growth, leading to potential health issues.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
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