Blechnum spicant, or deer fern as it is commonly known, prefers shady moist conditions and humus-rich soil. In the wild you will find it growing under cedars, firs, hemlock, and alders and along streambeds, from Southern Alaska to Northern California, at sea level and in coastal mountains. Deer fern is, as you might expect, an important winter food source for deer, but also elk and mountain goats.

In our garden, deer fern grows in the shady bed to the left of the path as you enter the south entrance, amid vine maple,
evergreen huckleberry, bunchberry and oak fern. Its shiny,
green, leathery fronds and purplish-brown stems are
from 12"-24" tall. With its tidy upright habit, it makes an
elegant addition to the home garden, whether in a
natural area or a tidy bed.

Native American people chewed the leaves of deer fern
as an appetite suppressant. The leaves were also used
to treat skin sores.

Visit the link below for more information on deer fern.