FNPS Plant Database

Ctenitis sloanei

Florida tree fern
  • Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

Florida tree fern

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Ctenitis sloanei

Family:

Dryopteridaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

3-4 ft tall, 

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

Fruit Color:

Phenology:

Noted For:

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant or mass planting in well-drained but moist, humid sites.

Considerations:

Rarely sold and difficult to find.  This is listed as Endangered.

Availability:

Propagation:

Light:

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded---------------------------------Extremely Dry

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Somewhat moist, no flooding -to- Somewhat moist, no flooding

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Ecology

Wildlife:

Native Habitats:

Limestone with a humus. Found on edges of tropical sink holes, and in Bermuda, around cave entrances.

Natural Range in Florida:

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Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Citations:

Gann, G.D., C.J. Abbott, C.G. Stocking, K.N. Hines, and collaborators. (2001+), Natives For Your Neighborhood. ( https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Ctensloa ). Accessed 2026. The Institute for Regional Conservation. Delray Beach, Florida.


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