deer fern

noun

1. an evergreen fern, Blechnum spicant, of Eurasia and western North America, having densely clustered fronds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deer fern¹

So called because it is often cultivated for deer

Example Sentences

Among the ferns was a variety called Blechnum spicant, also known as a hard fern or deer fern.

From Los Angeles Times

Owner Brian Smith turned this slab of concrete into a cozy green nook with olive trees and a dozen plants from deer fern to flowering jasmine.

From Seattle Times

The deer fern also has two kinds of fronds, but this grows all the way from sea level to the glaciers, being at its best in the dense forest area.

From Project Gutenberg