Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor: Overview
Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor is a subspecies of the fern Polystichum braunii, which is commonly known as the Braun's holly fern. This fern is native to North America and is found throughout Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States.
Appearance
Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense is a clumping fern that grows from a rhizome. It typically grows to be 1-2 feet tall and wide, with fronds that can be up to 3 feet long. The fronds are dark green and leathery, and they grow in a vase-like shape with a cluster of upright fronds in the center and a rosette of shorter, spreading fronds around the edges. The fronds have sharply toothed edges and a glossy texture, and they can remain green throughout the winter.
Uses
Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense is a popular ornamental plant and is often grown in shaded gardens or as a houseplant. It is a tough and hardy fern that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including dry soil, rocky soil, and exposure to full sun or deep shade. This fern is also known for its ability to prevent soil erosion, making it a useful plant for stabilizing slopes and stream banks.
The fronds of Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense are sometimes used in floral arrangements or as a decorative element in wreaths and swags. In traditional medicine, the roots of the Braun's holly fern have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers, headaches, and rheumatism, though it is important to note that the alkaloids in the roots can be toxic in large doses and should not be consumed without medical supervision.
Light Requirements
Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense thrives in partial to full shade environments. Direct sunlight exposure may burn the plant's foliage and cause it to wilt. A location that receives filtered light or dappled shade is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool to cold temperatures ranging from 45°F to 70°F. Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7, which indicates that it is capable of withstanding winter temperatures that can drop to -40°F. High temperatures can cause the soil to dry out quickly, leading to stress in the plant's growth, so it is essential to avoid planting the plant in areas that are too hot.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense should be well-draining and moist, with a pH level ranging from 5.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. The plant has a shallow root system, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is not compacted. Gardeners can improve the soil quality by adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil. Additionally, the addition of mulch will help the soil retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Cultivation of Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor
Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor grows best in partially shaded to fully shaded environments, and it thrives in well-draining, acidic soils that are high in organic matter. It is important to prepare the soil adequately before planting and to ensure that it is consistently moist.
The plant can be propagated through spores or division. To propagate via division, carefully remove the plant from its pot or dig it up from the soil and separate the clumps using a clean tool. Ensure that each clump has enough roots attached and replant immediately.
Watering needs of Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor
The Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor plant requires consistent moisture to thrive. Make sure to water it regularly, especially during the hot seasons, to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy.
Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent the plant from wilting. In addition, the plant thrives in a humid environment, so you can mist the foliage in the morning and evening to increase humidity levels.
Fertilizing Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor
Fertilizing the Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor plant is necessary to ensure that it grows optimally and remains healthy. It is best to use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer once a month during the growing season, which typically runs from spring to early fall, to encourage growth.
Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the roots. Instead, follow the instructions on the fertilizer packet, and only use the recommended amount.
Pruning Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor
Pruning is not necessary for the Polystichum braunii (Spenner) Fée ssp. alaskense (Maxon) Calder & Taylor plant. However, if the plant becomes too large or unruly, you can prune back the fronds in early spring to keep the plant in shape.
When pruning, use sharp and clean tools to prevent the transmission of diseases. Cut the fronds back to the base of the plant, and make sure not to cut into the main stem or crown.
Propagation of Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense
Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense is a species of evergreen fern which is native to Alaska, USA. This fern is prized for its attractive, dark green foliage and is commonly grown as a landscape plant. There are several ways to propagate Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense, including spores, division, and tissue culture.
Propagation by Spores
Propagation of Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense by spores is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method. This fern produces spores on the underside of its fronds, usually in late summer or early fall. To propagate the fern from spores, collect the spores when they are ripe and sow them on a bed of soil and peat moss. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the spore tray in bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks to several months.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense by division is a quick and easy way to create new plants. This method involves digging up an established fern and dividing the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have several fronds and a healthy root system. Replant the divided ferns in a suitable location, maintaining the same growing conditions as the original fern.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
Propagation of Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense by tissue culture is a modern and more advanced form of propagation. This method involves taking a small tissue sample from the original fern and growing it in a sterile culture medium. The tissue will develop into a new plantlet which can be transplanted into soil when it reaches a suitable size. Tissue culture is a precise and efficient way to propagate ferns and allows for large numbers of identical plants to be produced at once.
Disease Management
Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. Anthracnose, rusts, and leaf spot diseases are some of the most common diseases to affect this plant. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene. This includes removing and safely disposing of infected plant materials, providing adequate air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure but should be applied according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Polystichum braunii ssp. alaskense. Spider mites, scales, and slugs are some of the most common pests that this plant can attract. Spider mites and scales are sucking insects that can cause significant stress to plants, leading to stunted growth and leaf yellowing. Slugs can cause damage by feeding on leaves and creating holes. To manage these pests, it is important to inspect plants regularly and remove pests by hand if possible. Insecticidal soaps and oils can be used as a non-toxic, environmentally friendly way to manage pest populations. If pest populations become too large, chemical pesticides may be necessary. However, it is important to use these chemicals according to instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid damage to the plant and surrounding environment.
