Struthiopteris spicant

Struthiopteris spicant is a species of fern within its own family (Blechnaceae) known by the common name Deer Fern. It is native to Europe and western North America. In California it is found primarily along the coast from Santa Cruz northward. It is found is damp, shaded forest areas such as Redwood Forest and Mixed Evergreen Forest. Like some other Blechnum species it has two types of leaves. The sterile leaves have flat, wavy-margined leaflets 5 to 8 millimeters wide and arch gracefully, while the fertile leaves stand upright and have much narrower leaflets, each with two thick rows of sori on the underside. It typically goes dormant in winter. This is a very popular garden fern that can be used in coastal southern California if given shade, water and not too much heat.