Arborvitae Fern
Selaginella braunii
Other Names: Arborvitae Spikemoss, Braun’s Spikemoss, Chinese Lace Fern, Treelet Spikemoss
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial Fern
Height at Maturity: 12-18″
Width at Maturity: 18-24″
Spacing: 18″ for mass plantings; 36″ for space between
Spacing: 18″ for mass plantings; 36″ for space between
Growth Habit / Form: Spreading Clump
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Flower Color: None
Flower Size: NA
Flowering Period: NA
Flower Type: NA
Fragrant Flowers: NA
Foliage Color: Bright Green new growth matures to Dark Green
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries: No
Berry Color: NA
Sun Needs: Full Shade or Part Shade, Morning Sun With Afternoon Shade
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand (amend quick-draining soil for moisture retention), Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Consistently Moist but Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (Acid to Slightly Acid)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Visual Attention
Resistances: Deer, Disease, Humidity, Insect, Moist Soil, Rabbit, Deep Shade
Description
Not really a fern or an arborvitae, the Arborvitae Fern, Selaginella braunii, is actually a member of the spikemoss family, a prehistoric plant. But its lacy leaves sure do resemble an arborvitae and its spreading and clumping habit a fern. Slowly spreading to form an arching groundover in shady sites, it might reach 12 to 18 inches tall and form a patch about 24 inches wide over a few years time. Very easy to grow in shade and it’s unique texture combines beautiful with hosta lilies, heuchera, aucuba, mahonia and just about any other shade-loving plants with bold foliage. Also is great in pots that can be kept outdoors or as an indoor houseplant year round.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 12 to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, the Arborvitae Fern is ideal for use as an accent in smaller garden spaces and containers or in groupings or mass plantings in larger shade or or woodland gardens and home foundation plantings. Looks great near the garden pond or other bodies of water or in containers that can be placed on patios, decks, or anywhere in the landscape that gets shade to part sun. A fine addition to woodland gardens, shade gardens and mixed fern gardens.
Growing Preferences
The Arborvitae Fern is easy to grow in a variety of moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter and part to full shade. Some morning and evening sun is okay but avoid direct afternoon sun. This “fern” will retain green foliage throughout the winter in warmer climates. In colder climates it might be semi-deciduous or deciduous.
Helpful Articles
Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, fertilize, prune and water perennial ferns.
How To Plant Perennial Ferns
How To Prune Or Cut Back Perennial fern Plants
How To Fertilize & Water Perennial Fern Plants
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