Austrailian Tree Fern
Location
General Plants
Sphaeropteris cooperi
- Common Name: Australian Tree Fern
- Scientific Name: Sphaeropteris cooperi
- Family name: Cyatheaceae
- Origin: Australia
- Height: 25 – 40 ft
- Width: 6 – 8 ft
- Growth: Slow
- Zone: 8a – 11
- Light needs: Partial shade – full shade
- Salt tolerance: Low
- Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soil types, well drained, acidic to mildly acidic (pH 5.6 – 6.5)
- Moisture: Average water needs – should be watered regularly
- Drought tolerance: Moderate
- Pests/diseases: No major concerns with pests and diseases, mealybugs and mites may pose a minor issue
- Growing conditions: Should be planted in a shady, somewhat moist area, in fertile, well-drained, sandy loam soil. Does well both in the ground or in a large container.
- Characteristics: Trunk is russet-colored with oval-shaped leaf scars. Leaves are whorled, compound, and can reach up to a foot in length, with an intricate lace-like shape. Leaves are green on top with pale green undersides. There are no flowers or fruit, as this plant reproduces using spores.
- Propagation: From spores
- Facts: Tree ferns are one of the oldest plant groups, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. The trunk of the Australian Tree Fern may reach a diameter of up to one foot.
- Designer considerations: Great for a specimen planting or as an interesting plant for shady areas. Looks nice next to small ponds or in large containers.