How much sun does Anderson's hollyfern need?

Anderson's hollyfern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Anderson's hollyfern native?

Anderson's hollyfern (Polystichum andersonii) is native to ID, MT, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Anderson's hollyfern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polystichum andersonii

Last reviewed: October 2026

Anderson's hollyfern (Polystichum andersonii) is a perennial fern native to ID, MT, OR, WA.

Toxicity unknown

Anderson's hollyfern (Polystichum andersonii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

18"–36" H × 18"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

ID, MT, OR, WA

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains

An evergreen fern with leathery, twice-divided fronds forming an upright vase-shaped clump. Occasionally produces small plantlets near the frond tips that can root and form new plants.

Growing Anderson's hollyfern

Grow Anderson's hollyfern in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Evergreen fronds offer year-round shelter for small invertebrates in shaded woodland settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Anderson's hollyfern need?: Anderson's hollyfern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Anderson's hollyfern native?: Anderson's hollyfern (Polystichum andersonii) is native to ID, MT, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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