Blechnum spicant

Found in forests and damp moors around the temperate world, including the UK. One of the prettiest of hardy ferns. Neat clumps of narrow, ladder-shaped fronds, of a lively shining green, make way for taller, upright, fertile fronds, which are green at first, but when they have scattered their spores, they wither, remaining all winter as handsome curling brown skeletons. Size depends on moisture and a shady damp spot will suit it best. For lime-free soil.