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(Dicksonia antarctica)
Soft Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica)
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Rexness
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Rexness
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Rexness | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Rexness | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dicksonia antarctica, commonly known as Soft Tree Fern, is an evergreen fern native to the cool temperate rainforests and moist gullies of Eastern Australia and Tasmania. It can reach a height of 4.5–5 m (15–16 ft) with a trunk formed by an erect rhizome, which is very hairy at the base of the stipe and on the crown. The large, dark green fronds are roughly-textured and create a lush canopy 2–6 m (6 ft 7 in – 19 ft 8 in) in diameter. The trunk, covered in fibrous material, often becomes a host for a variety of epiphytic plants, including other ferns and mosses. This fern has a slow growth rate of 3.5 to 5 cm per year and begins to produce spores when it reaches about 20 years of age.
The Soft Tree Fern is valued for its prehistoric appearance, with its large spreading fronds providing a dramatic effect in shaded garden areas. It is commonly used in garden planting and landscaping, particularly in temperate regions. The fern is hardy to about −5 °C (23 °F) and has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It requires organic, well-drained soils, consistent moisture, and benefits from mulching. In dry climates, overhead drip irrigation or spray systems are recommended. Old fronds should be left on the plant to protect the trunk from cold and desiccation, and winter protection is advised in areas with severe cold. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate part shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Soft Tree Fern is valued for its prehistoric appearance, with its large spreading fronds providing a dramatic effect in shaded garden areas. It is commonly used in garden planting and landscaping, particularly in temperate regions. The fern is hardy to about −5 °C (23 °F) and has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It requires organic, well-drained soils, consistent moisture, and benefits from mulching. In dry climates, overhead drip irrigation or spray systems are recommended. Old fronds should be left on the plant to protect the trunk from cold and desiccation, and winter protection is advised in areas with severe cold. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate part shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 7-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Cool temperate rainforests and moist gullies
Other Names
Common Names: Australian Tree Fern , Man Fern , Sydlig Trädormbunke
Scientific Names: Dicksonia antarctica , Balantium antarcticum , Cibotium billardieri , Dicksonia billardieri
GBIF Accepted Name: Dicksonia antarctica Labill.