Christmas fern

The Christmas fern is one of the most common ferns in North America, growing in wooded areas, along streams, and on rocky slopes, where it can help prevent erosion. Valued for its evergreen qualities, the hardy fern adds interest and texture to gardens in the winter. It was also one of the plants growing on Manhattan prior to European contact. The fern has many applications; the Cherokee used the fiddleheads, or fronds, as a food source. The Maliseet and Mi’kmaq used the roots to treat hoarseness.