American Climbing Fern
(Lygodium palmatum)
American Climbing Fern (Lygodium palmatum)
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Sandra Keller
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Sandra Keller
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Sandra Keller | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Sandra Keller | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-09-12T13:19:16-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lygodium palmatum, commonly known as the American Climbing Fern or Hartford Fern, is a perennial fern native to moist woodlands, swamp edges, and boggy areas in the Eastern United States, particularly within the Appalachian region. It is the only species of its genus native to North America and is adapted to a temperate climate. This fern typically exhibits a climbing habit with twining fronds that can reach several meters in length. The fronds are delicate and bright green, with a distinctive palmate division that gives the species its name. Flowering is not applicable to ferns, but the fertile fronds bear conspicuous spore-producing structures in late summer to fall.
The American Climbing Fern is valued for its unique growth habit and is used in shaded garden areas, woodland gardens, and as a naturalizing species in moist environments. It is considered hardy in temperate zones and is often sought after for its rarity and conservation status, being listed as endangered or threatened in several states. Cultivation requires consistently moist, acidic soil, and while it can tolerate high light levels, it often thrives in part shade conditions. Care should be taken to provide adequate water and to avoid overly dry or alkaline soils. Due to its conservation status, it should be sourced responsibly, and gardeners should be aware of regulations regarding its collection and trade.CC BY-SA 4.0
The American Climbing Fern is valued for its unique growth habit and is used in shaded garden areas, woodland gardens, and as a naturalizing species in moist environments. It is considered hardy in temperate zones and is often sought after for its rarity and conservation status, being listed as endangered or threatened in several states. Cultivation requires consistently moist, acidic soil, and while it can tolerate high light levels, it often thrives in part shade conditions. Care should be taken to provide adequate water and to avoid overly dry or alkaline soils. Due to its conservation status, it should be sourced responsibly, and gardeners should be aware of regulations regarding its collection and trade.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern, Vine
- Height: 6-8 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist woodlands, swamp edges, and boggy areas within the Appalachian region
Other Names
Common Names: Hartford Fern , Creeping Fern , Windsor Fern , Fingrad Klätterbräken
Scientific Names: Lygodium palmatum , Hydroglossum palmatum , Cteisium palmatum , Cteisium paniculatum , Gisopteris palmata , Ramondia palmata
GBIF Accepted Name: Lygodium palmatum (Bernh.) Sw.