deer fern

American  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of deer fern

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 • May 31, 2023

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 The Mountain that was 'God' Being a Little Book About the Great Peak Which the Indians Named 'Tacoma' but Which is Officially Called 'Rainier' by Williams, John H. (John Harvey)