Plant
Hard Shield Fern
Polystichum aculeatumAlso known as Prickly Shield Fern, Hard Shield-Fern
Hard shield fern forms robust, arching crowns of stiff, glossy dark-green fronds that persist through harsh winters. Found on steep woodland slopes and limestone ravines, it relies on damp, sheltered microclimates and often indicates undisturbed ancient woodland. The tough pinnules feature sharp, bristle-like tips and a distinct thumb-shaped lobe at their base.
EvergreenFernAncient Woodland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Deer
ThreatsHabitat Loss, Deforestation, Canopy Loss
HabitatsUpland Woodlands, Steep Slopes, Rocky Ravines
Life spanPerennial (up to several decades)
Classification
- FamilyDryopteridaceae
- SpeciesPolystichum aculeatum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for glossy, dark green fronds that feel stiff and leathery to the touch.
- Identification: Check the base of the pinnules for a characteristic thumb-like lobe pointing upward.
- Habitat: Search along steep, shaded woodland banks and limestone ravines in ancient forests.
Co-Occurring Species Carl Axel Magnus Lindman / Public domain · cc0
Co-Occurring Species Jonathan Billinger / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Ashley Basil, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Shane Johnson · cc0
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