Knottman’s Fern Guide. Part 7

As a number of followers have kindly said that they are enjoying this little series, I will keep it going for a while.

Today’s offering is Soft Shield Fern, ( Polystichum setiferum ).
Whilst this is superficially similar to the first in my series, which was Hard Shield Fern, there are a number of differences. First this is not really winter hardy and it dies down in the Autumn. The fronds are soft to the touch and the stems are densely scaly.
It is common in woodlands but prefers alkaline soils.