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Ferns
Ferns instantly create a feeling of coolness and moisture although some will tolerate suprisingly dry conditions. Most require some shade, however.
Ferns are an essential component of a rainforest style garden. There are many forms to choose from, including groundcovers, epiphytes and tree-like forms.
Some ferns can also be weeds.
On separate pages:
Please check below for links to other webpages and websites about ferns.
The Fern Pages (also lots of links to other fern information) Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research
Pteridophytes: the ferns and their allies Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australia
Introducing Australian Ferns Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants
Plant Diversity - Ferns in The Wet Tropics Wet Tropics Management Authority, Qld
Using Australian Ferns in the Garden Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants
Garden Maintenance Tips by Jeff Howes (includes Pruning Ferns), Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants
Ferns for Central Coast Gardens Australian Plants Society, Central Coast Group (NSW)
Tasmanian Ferns The Australian Plants Society - Tasmania Inc.
Keith's Fern Page Australia
The Tropical Fern and Exotic Plant Society Based in South Florida
Hartman Prehistoric Garden A garden in Austin, Texas, devoted to ancient plants including ferns
What is an Epiphyte? Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Florida
Garden Bling: Adding Epiphytic Plants to Your Landscape
It has been known for some years that indoor plants can combat the effects of inddor air pollution. Scientists from Korea and USA have tested the ability of 86 diverse species of plants to remove volatile formaldehyde (which can be emitted from modern furnishings and other sources). They found that, as a class, the ferns were the most efficient, with Osmunda japonica (Japanese royal fern) coming in first amongst all 86 tested. Media release, including link to the original American Society for Horticultural Science article, here: Study of phytoremediation benefits of 86 indoor plants published (June 2011)
When ferns collide
Anogramma ascensionis is a tiny fern with leaves that resemble parsley found only on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. Not seen since 1958, it was declared extinct in 2003, but a few plants have since been discovered. They have since been propagated and it is hoped that it might be reintroduced more extensively in its natural habitat. The flora of Ascension Island have been devestated from centuries of exotic plant and animal introductions. It is thought that in the case of the parsley fern, competition for rock ledges from introduced maidenhair ferns probably contributed to its decline. For more information, visit Ascension Island's 'extinct' parsley fern makes a dramatic reappearance during International Year of Biodiversity (June 2010)
General Fern Culture Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Florida
Indoor Ferns Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, South Carolina
Adiantum
These are the maidenhair ferns. In addition to the familiar delicate maidenhair, there are tougher Australian native species available
Adiantum, Maidenhair Fern The Florez Nursery blog, NSW
Dainty Maidenhair Adiantum capillus-veneris Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria (PDF)
Maidenhair care Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture
Venus-hair fern Adiantum capillus-veneris. Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Northern Territory (PDF)
Adiantum capillus-veneris L Common Maidenhair, Southern Maidenhair, Venus Maidenhair Fern Online Manual of Subtropical Landscaping Plants, Palm Beach Community College, Florida
Adiantum aethiopicum The Australian Plants Society - SA Region Inc.
Adiantum formosum Black stem or giant maidenhair fern Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network
Adiantum formosum (Giant Maiden Hair Fern) Sassafras rainforest regeneration project, NSW
Adiantum hispidulum Rough maidenhair fern. Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network
Rough Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum) At "Grow Me Instead" (an Australian website informing gardeners about safer alternatives to invasive ornamentals)
Adiantum hispidulum
Doodia
Rasp Fern (Doodia aspera) At "Grow Me Instead" (an Australian website informing gardeners about safer alternatives to invasive ornamentals)
Doodia aspera (Prickly rasp fern) Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network
Doodia australis (Common rasp fern) Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network
Doodia caudata (Small rasp fern) Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network
Nephrolepis
Boston Fern Production Guide (Nephrolepis exaltata) University of Florida, USA
Kimberly Queen, Macho challenge Boston ferns (Nephrolepis obliterata) Office of Agricultural Communications Mississippi State University, USA
Others
Gristle Fern (Blechnum cartilagineum) At "Grow Me Instead" (an Australian website informing gardeners about safer alternatives to invasive ornamentals)
Blechnum patersonii Strap water fern. Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network
Calochlaena dubia (Rainbow Fern, False Bracken) Sassafras rainforest regeneration project, NSW
Drynaria & Platycerium Interesting Fern Genera Society for Growing Australian Plants Queensland Region, Inc.
Fragrant Fern (Microsorum scandens) Flora of Lamington National Park, Qld
Banded Nardoo (Marsilea mutica) At "Grow Me Instead" (an Australian website informing gardeners about safer alternatives to invasive ornamentals)
Marsilea drummondii (PDF) at the Australian Weeds and Livestock website, NSW (discusses toxicity of weeds and other plants to animals)
Weedy ferns
Fishbone Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) At the "Grow Me Instead" website (an Australian website informing gardeners about environmental weeds)
Common Bracken (Pteridium esculentum). Save Our Waterways Now, Brisbane
Pteridium esculentum (PDF) at the Australian Weeds and Livestock website, NSW (discusses toxicity of weeds and other plants to animals)
Cheilanthes spp (PDF) at the Australian Weeds and Livestock website, NSW (discusses toxicity of weeds and other plants to animals)
Propagation
Vegetative Propagation of Ferns Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants
Propagating Ferns From Spores at Glen Yakimoff's' website, Australia
Growing Ferns from Spore Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants
Treating Fern Spores with Bleach Association of Societies for Growing Australian
A guide to spore growing Fern Society of South Australia Inc
Growing ferns from spore The Fern Society of Victoria Inc.
Collecting Spores & Growing Ferns The American Fern Society
Older News
Ferns fight formaldehydeIt has been known for some years that indoor plants can combat the effects of inddor air pollution. Scientists from Korea and USA have tested the ability of 86 diverse species of plants to remove volatile formaldehyde (which can be emitted from modern furnishings and other sources). They found that, as a class, the ferns were the most efficient, with Osmunda japonica (Japanese royal fern) coming in first amongst all 86 tested. Media release, including link to the original American Society for Horticultural Science article, here: Study of phytoremediation benefits of 86 indoor plants published (June 2011)
When ferns collide
Anogramma ascensionis is a tiny fern with leaves that resemble parsley found only on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. Not seen since 1958, it was declared extinct in 2003, but a few plants have since been discovered. They have since been propagated and it is hoped that it might be reintroduced more extensively in its natural habitat. The flora of Ascension Island have been devestated from centuries of exotic plant and animal introductions. It is thought that in the case of the parsley fern, competition for rock ledges from introduced maidenhair ferns probably contributed to its decline. For more information, visit Ascension Island's 'extinct' parsley fern makes a dramatic reappearance during International Year of Biodiversity (June 2010)