FNPS Plant Database

Telmatoblechnum serrulatum

swamp fern
  • 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:

Fruit Color:

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

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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

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

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Vouchered In:

Distribution
Vouchered
Not vouchered
Selected
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Starting…
Map coded by Melissa Fernandez-de Cespedes (Paynes Prairie Chapter)

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.
FNPS Plant Print

Citations:

Huegel, Craig N. (2012). Native Wildflowers and Other Ground Covers for Florida Landscapes. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Nelson, Gil. (2003). Florida's Best Landscape Plants: 200 Readily Available Species for Homeowners and Professionals. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Osorio, Rufino. (2001). A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Wunderlin, R. P., B. F. Hansen, A. R. Franck, and F. B. Essig. (1999+). Atlas of Florida Plants. ( https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ ). [S. M. Landry and K. N. Campbell (application development), USF Water Institute.] Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa.

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