Description: This fern is similar to soft shield fern in general appearance but is of a much stiffer texture and has a more glossy appearance. It is also less common, requiring more base-rich rocks and soils.

All names: Polystichum aculeatum (L.) Roth; Polystichum lobatum (Huds.) Chevall.; Aspidium aculeatum (L.) Sw.; Aspidium lobatum (Huds.) Sw.

Distribution Map from NBN: Polystichum aculeatum at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Polystichum aculeatum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.