Family: Polypodiaceae
Author: (Forssk.) T.Moore ex Woynar
Bibliography: Mitt. Naturwiss. Vereines Steiermark 49: 181 (1913)
Year: 1913
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Polystichum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, W. & C. Europe to Medit. and Iran
Description
The soft shield-fern, known scientifically as Polystichum setiferum, is a graceful and resilient evergreen fern that has captivated botanists and nature lovers alike. First described in detail by Woynar in 1913 in the Mitteilungen des Naturwissenschaftlichen Vereines für Steiermark, this fern boasts strikingly beautiful fronds that make it a cherished addition to gardens and natural landscapes.
Belonging to the Polypodiaceae family, the soft shield-fern is widely distributed from Macaronesia through Western and Central Europe, extending to the Mediterranean region and as far as Iran. This extensive range highlights the fern’s adaptability to diverse climates and environments.
Its delicate, finely-cut fronds have a soft texture and an elegant arching habit, making it particularly attractive for ornamental use. The fronds often form a lush, green rosette, lending a soft and textured appearance to garden beds and shaded areas. Due to its evergreen nature, the soft shield-fern provides year-round visual interest, retaining its vibrant green color even in the depths of winter.
Polystichum setiferum thrives in moist, well-drained soil with ample organic matter, preferring partially shaded to fully shaded locations. These conditions mimic the fern’s native habitats, where it often grows on forest floors, shaded cliffs, and rocky slopes. Its preference for shade and resilience in less-than-ideal soil conditions make it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking to enhance dimly-lit areas of their gardens.
One of the key features of the soft shield-fern is its low maintenance requirements. Once established, it demands minimal care, making it an ideal plant for both seasoned gardeners and novices. Regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help maintain its lush appearance.
In addition to its ornamental value, the soft shield-fern also plays a role in native ecosystems. It provides habitat and cover for various small creatures and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the areas where it grows.
With such an extensive range and robust adaptability, Polystichum setiferum stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of the fern family. Whether enhancing a garden or thriving in its natural habitat, the soft shield-fern remains a beloved species among both horticulturists and naturalists.
Common Names
Deu: borstiger schildfarn, grannen-schildfarn
Dan: børste-skjoldbregne
Eng: english hedge fern, soft shield fern, hedge fern, soft shield-fern, soft-shield fern
Spa: penco
Fra: polystic à soies
Swe: spetsbräken
Nld: zachte naaldvaren
Nno: mjukbregne
Nob: mykbregne
Cym: gwrychredyn meddal, gwrychredynen feddal, march-redynen wrychog
En: Soft Shield-fern, Soft shield fern, English hedge fern, Hedge fern, Soft-shield Fern
Bg: Четинест многоредник
Cs: Kapradina bodlinkatá
Da: Mosbregne, Børste-skjoldbregne
Nl: Zachte naaldvaren
Fi: Kilpihärkylä
Fr: Polystic à soies
Gl: Fentalla
De: Borstiger Schildfarn, Grannen-Schildfarn
Hu: Díszes vesepáfrány
Ga: Ibheag bhog
It: Felce setifera
Nb: Mykbregne
Nn: Mjukbregne
Es: Penco
Sv: Spetsbräken
Uk: Багаторядник щетинконосний
Cy: Gwrychredynen feddal, Gwrychredyn Meddal, March-Redynen Wrychog
: Soft shield-fern
Synonyms
- Polystichum aculeatum subsp. angulare ((Kit. ex Willd.) Vollm.)
- Dryopteris setifera ((Forssk.) Woynar ex Schinz & Thell.)
- Dryopteris aculeata subsp. angularis ((Kit. ex Willd.) Schinz & Thell.)
- Polystichum angulare var. lineare (J.Dix)
- Aspidium hastulatum (Ten.)
- Polypodium setiferum (Forssk.)
- Polystichum angulare ((Kit. ex Willd.) C.Presl)
- Hypopeltis hastulata (Tod.)
- Aspidium aculeatum var. microlobum (Christ)
- Aspidium angulare (Kit. ex Willd.)
- Polystichum aculeatum var. angulare ((Kit. ex Willd.) Rupr.)
- Aspidium aculeatum subsp. angulare ((Kit. ex Willd.) Arcang.)
- Polystichum setiferum var. hastulatum ((Ten.) Hayek)
- Dryopteris setifera subsp. angularis ((Kit. ex Willd.) Maire)
- Aspidium aculeatum var. hastulatum ((Ten.) Kunze)
- Polypodium angulare ((Kit. ex Willd.) Fr.)
- Aspidium aculeatum var. angulare ((Kit. ex Willd.) H.C.Watson)
- Aspidium lobatum var. angulare ((Kit. ex Willd.) Mett.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Poland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 3, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Breanna Watkinson (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 22, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2022 by juarez martin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 1, 2021 by Sousa Belmiro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Bart van Ulden (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Mathias Brath (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Abellán Flor Darío (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2022 by justin lerebourg (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 15, 2020 by Estelle Ferazzoli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4044517)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17414550-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polystichum setiferum (Forssk.) Moore ex Woyn.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 3
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Soil nutriments: 5