any temperate woodland fern of the genus Polystichum having shield-shaped flaps covering the spore-producing bodies: family Aspleniaceae
shield fern in American English
noun
any of numerous ferns of the genera Dryopteris and Polystichum, having shield-shaped indusia
Word origin
[1805–15]This word is first recorded in the period 1805–15. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: diminishing returns, makeup, napoleon, phase, platinum
Examples of 'shield fern' in a sentence
shield fern
On the exposed limestone, crinkly yellow rock-rose and dark red helleborine; also hart's-tongue fern, rigid buckler-fern, hard shield-fern.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Polystichum polyblepharum is a well-toothed shield fern of exceptional glossiness and for sale everywhere now.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
I would start by planting the robust, fully hardy and delightful hart's tongue alongside contrasting lacy shield fern varieties.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Do the same with evergreen ferns - hart's tongues, polypodies and shield ferns.