Cyrtomium devexiscapulae

Cyrtomium devexiscapulae is a persistent Chinese fern that is still rare in cultivation. It is part of a group of terrestrial species called holly ferns because of their toothed foliage. This one is vigorous and its fronds, light green in colour and with an unusual shape, are quite spectacular. In the garden, this perennial thrives in moist soil in shaded areas, elegantly brightening them up. Resistant to cold, this fern tolerates both limestone and acidic soils, as long as they are rich in humus. Its rootstock will benefit from winter protection in very cold areas.

Cyrtomium devexiscapulae, also known as Polystichum devexiscapulae or 'Sickle Leaved Holly Fern' by English speakers, is a perennial plant of the Dryopteridaceae family. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, where it is found in forests on limestone substrates, up to 1700 metres (5577 feet) in altitude.

The plant grows from an upright rhizome, densely covered with lanceolate brown scales, and forms a clump of pinnate fronds that are tall and wide, ranging from 60 to 80cm (24 to 32in) in height. Each frond, ascending and measuring 34 to 55cm (13 to 22in) in length and 12 to 20cm (5 to 8in) in width, is divided into 7 to 10 pairs of toothed segments along the edges, ranging in size from 9 to 15cm (4 to 6in), with a somewhat irregular shape. Some have a characteristic sickle shape. They are tough, arranged alternately along the brown and scaly Rachis, somewhat resembling those of Japanese Mahonia. Their colour is a shiny acidic green, very bright. In spring, small brown dots regularly arranged can be observed on the undersides of the leaves; these are the sori, small clusters of reproductive cells that will be dispersed by the wind.

This holly fern is hardy and relatively easy to grow, finding its place in a sheltered spot away from winds and direct sunlight. It will thrive in a cool rockery or in a damp woodland, under large deciduous trees, alongside primroses, Solomon's seals, Corydalis flexuosa, and Epimediums. It can also be associated with perennials with metallic reflections such as Heuchera 'Prince of Silver', Lamium 'Pink Pewter', or Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'.