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Japanese Holly Fern

Cyrtomium falcatum

Cyrtomium falcatum on 20% ETo in March 2013. Photo: SK Reid.
Cyrtomium falcatum on 20% ETo in March 2013. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

We were pleasantly surprised to see this fern produce the best average quality ratings on the lowest irrigation treatment with absolutely no supplemental summer water. However, in these first two years, none of the treatments were really good looking during the summer months.  Significant differences in relative growth were absent.  Four demonstration gardens took this species, but only two had survivors, and only one, San Joaquin County, recommended it.  Issues associated with mortality were frost damage (Shasta County), failure to site the plant in the shade or protect it from trampling.  Where it did survive (San Joaquin County) and is still growing, it has continued to improve in appearance in its third year and would definitely be recommended for the shade.  It should be noted that San Joaquin County is in the same Sunset zone as Davis.

Basic Info

Submitted by: UC Davis Arboretum
Trial Exposure: 50% Shade
Year evaluated: 2013
Height & Width
(after 2 years):
31" x 47" - UC Davis
Reported Height & Width
(at maturity):
1-2' x 2-3'
WUCOLS plant type: P A
Water Needs & WUCOLS Region:
Low - Region 2 
Mean Overall 
Appearance rating:
(1-5 Scale, 5 is highest)
3.7 - UC Davis 
Flowering Months
N/A - UC Davis

Growth and Quality Data

Click Here for Complete Data Set

Cyrtomium falcatum on 20% ET0 in October 2013. Photo: SK Reid.
Cyrtomium falcatum on 20% ET0 in October 2013. Photo: SK Reid.