What's eating my polystichum neolobatum?

Polystichum neolobatum, a hardy outdoor shield fern, is mainly targeted by slugs and snails that rasp young fronds, and by vine weevil larvae that chew roots. Aphids may colonize new growth in spring. Deer generally avoid it due to tough, leathery fronds, but rabbits will occasionally nibble emerging croziers.

Irregular holes and ragged edges on young fronds and emerging croziers, often worst in damp weather Apply ferric phosphate pellets around crowns; remove debris where slugs hide; use copper tape on container plantings

Notched leaf margins from adult beetles; wilting and crown collapse from white C-shaped larvae attacking roots Drench containers with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer; inspect and remove larvae when repotting

Curling or distorted new growth; sticky honeydew residue on frond surfaces Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybugs and lacewings