Marginal Wood Fern

Dryopteris marginalis 
 
 
 
Unique among the Dryopteris species by the large spore sacks on the underside of the leathery leaves. This fern is truly evergreen throughout the winter and will tolerate browsing by rabbits and deep shade. It prefers deep, rocky or stony soil and will tolerate moderately dry conditions. This fern does not spread and is best appreciated as an individual specimen.