Giant Swordfern
(Nephrolepis biserrata)
Giant Swordfern (Nephrolepis biserrata)
/
/
Mokkie
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Mokkie
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Mokkie | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Mokkie | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Giant_Sword_Fern_(Nephrolepis_biserrata)_4.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Nephrolepis biserrata, commonly known as Giant Swordfern, is an evergreen fern native to tropical and subtropical regions, including Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Polynesia. It thrives in moist, shaded areas such as forest floors and swamp margins, often forming dense colonies. This fern can reach up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height, with a similar spread, and is characterized by its long, arching fronds that can grow up to 7 feet (2 meters) in length. The stipes are grayish-brown, and the fronds are a bright green, providing a lush, tropical appearance.
Giant Swordfern is valued for its vigorous growth and lush foliage, making it a popular choice for adding a tropical feel to shaded gardens, patios, or indoor spaces. It is often used as a ground cover or in hanging baskets and container plantings. While it can be aggressive in its native habitat, in cultivation, it is generally well-behaved when given the right conditions. It prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. It is relatively low maintenance but may require occasional trimming to remove old fronds and maintain its appearance.CC BY-SA 4.0
Giant Swordfern is valued for its vigorous growth and lush foliage, making it a popular choice for adding a tropical feel to shaded gardens, patios, or indoor spaces. It is often used as a ground cover or in hanging baskets and container plantings. While it can be aggressive in its native habitat, in cultivation, it is generally well-behaved when given the right conditions. It prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. It is relatively low maintenance but may require occasional trimming to remove old fronds and maintain its appearance.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical moist, shaded areas
Other Names
Common Names: Giant Sword Fern , Macho Fern , Bonkenkele , Luasinia , 長葉腎蕨 , Dilelelende , Efude , Kilekele , Kiseria , Kiseya
Scientific Names: Nephrolepis biserrata , Nephrolepis acuminata , Nephrolepis acuta , Nephrolepis rufescens , Nephrolepis persicifolia , Nephrolepis biserrata var. biserrata , Nephrolepis laurifolia , Nephrolepis pilosula , Aspidium biserratum , Nephrolepis macrophylla
GBIF Accepted Name: Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott