Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Ginny Stibolt, Ixia Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

netted chain fern

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Woodwardia areolata

Family:

Blechnaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

fern

Size:

1-1.5 ft, spreads broadly by rhisomes.

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

NA

Fruit Color:

NA

Phenology:

Winter dormant. Spreads by rhizomes.

Noted For:

Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Use as a groundcover in moist areas, rain gardens, or bioswales.

Considerations:

It grows best in drier areas if there is some shade. In full sun, it requires reliable moisture.

Availability:

Specialty Provider

Propagation:

Division.

Light:

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, Loam, Organic

Soil pH:

Acidic

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Provides cover for small wildlife such as toads.

Native Habitats:

Dome swamp, hydric hammock, seep slopes over limestone, hydric pine flatwoods.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

This colony-forming fern is well-behaved in the landscape.