Photo by: Jeannie Brodhead, Saracennia Chapter FNPS
Nomenclature
Common Name:
southern shield fern
Synonym(s):
Genus species:
Thelypteris kunthii
Family:
Thelypteridaceae
Plant Specifics
Form:
fern
Size:
1-3 (4) ft tall
Life Span:
Long-lived perennial
Flower Color:
NA
Fruit Color:
NA
Phenology:
evergreen
Noted For:
Interesting Foliage
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Groundcover recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restoration.
Considerations:
Availability:
Native Nurseries, Friends
Propagation:
Division or from 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:
Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray
Soil or Other Substrate:
Sand, Organic
Soil pH:
Adaptable, often calcareous
Suitable to Grow In:
8B,9A,9B,10A,10B
Ecology
Wildlife:
Cover for many ground-dwelling species.
Native Habitats:
Hydric and mesic hammocks, shallow swamps and swamp edges, floodplains, limerock, concrete, ditches.
Natural Range in Florida:
Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants
Comments:
Ethnobotany:
A boiled concoction was used to clean and heal open cuts.
General Comments:
