Christmas Fern

There is irony in learning of the fate of the Christmas Fern. During the middle ages, when other flowers bloomed at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, the fern did not. Sadly, the fern was damned to remain flowerless forever.  Despite its blooming misfortune, the fern is believed magical, confusing some travelers into losing their way, while protecting others from thunder and lightning. 

Christmas Shield Fern - Aspidium acrostichoides Illustration from Charting Nature's Vintage Fern Collection