Deer Fern is an evergreen fern of Pacific Northwest and Appalachian forest understories, producing two types of fronds: flat, spreading sterile fronds and erect, strap-like fertile fronds with spore-bearing structures. It remains green year-round, providing ground cover color in winter forests. Deer graze on it regularly, hence the common name.
Habitat
Moist forest understory and shaded stream banks of the Pacific Northwest
Diet
Fronds browsed by deer and elk; ground cover for salamanders and invertebrates
How common
Common
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