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Plant Identification Learning Module:
Flowers and Foliage

Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

The holly fern has a dense crown with an arching growth habit. The fronds are compound, spirally arranged, and may be up to two and one-half feet long. Leaflets are pinnately-compound, ovate to elliptic, to five inches long, and wavy. They are very glossy with a leathery texture, waxy on the surface and lighter colored beneath. The bottom of leaves have small spots where reproductive spores grow.