Leaf type: Fronds, dissected
Phyllotaxis: Rosulate
Leaf (upper side)
![hard shield fern frond top](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hard-shield-fern-frond-top.webp)
![hard shield fern pinnate leaves](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hard-shield-fern-pinnate-leaves.webp)
![fronds hard shield fern](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fronds-hard-shield-fern.webp)
Habitus & biology
Polystichum aculeatum is an evergreen fern, its fronds can be up to almost one metre in length.
![hard shield fern habitus](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hard-shield-fern-habitus.webp)
![hard shield fern in April](https://leaftypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hard-shield-fern-in-April.webp)
Distribution & habitates
The hard shield fern is native to many European countries, North Africa and some Asian regions (source). It grows on and in forests and is also used as an ornamental plant.
Botany
Polystichum aculeatum belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family.