Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

swamp fern

Synonym(s):

Blechnum serrulatum

Genus species:

Telmatoblechnum serrulatum

Family:

Blechnaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

fern

Size:

2 - 3 ft tall by 1 - 2 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

NA

Fruit Color:

NA

Phenology:

winter dormant

Noted For:

Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Ground cover for moist, shady sites. Also useful in wetland restoration.

Considerations:

Will spread unless contained by physical or environmental limits. Periodic removal of old fronds is recommended.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, FNPS Plant Sales, Specialty Provider

Propagation:

Division. Spores.

Light:

Part Sun, Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

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

Coming Soon!

Stays wet ---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:

Sand, Clay, Loam, Organic

Soil pH:

Acidic to neutral

Suitable to Grow In:

8B,9A,9B,10A

Ecology

Wildlife:

Native Habitats:

Marshes, swamps

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

This is one of the most common ferns in central-southern Florida and potentially one of the most beautiful.