Japenese Fern Tree

Filicium decipiens

• ​​Common Name: Japanese Fern Tree
• Scientific Name: Filicium decipiens
• Family Name: Sapindaceae
• Origin: India and Tropical East Africa
• Height: 20’ – 30’
• Width: 8’ – 10’
• Growth: slow – moderate
• Zone: 10A – 11
• Light Needs: Full sun – Partial shade
• Salt Tolerance:  unknown
• Soil/PH/Texture: strongly alkaline (pH 8.6 – 9.0) When planting, prepare the whole with topsoil and composted cow manure.
• Soil Moisture: Average water, regularly – but do not over water, allow time for the tree to dry out between watering and that the area drains well.
• Drought Tolerance: moderate
• Pests/Diseases: no major pest or disease problems
• Growing Conditions: easy to grow and low maintenance, does not tolerate cold/freezing temperatures, tolerate heat, wind, and exhaust.
• Characteristics: This small to medium sized tree has unusual leaves that are long and thin and protrude from the stems, making them look fern-like, with a naturally rounded crown. The blooms are white/near white and appear in mid spring to early summer.
• Propagation: by seed – make sure to deadhead blooms if you do not want it self-seeding
• Wildlife: unknown
• Facts: The scientific/botanical name literally means “deceiving fern.” It is not a fern or from japan.
• Designer Considerations: use as a specimen tree, shade tree, accent, in pairs on the sides of a driveway, or as a backdrop in a garden bed.