Thelypteris spp.

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Maiden Fern

Thelypteridaceae

Also known as Thelypteris kunthii, Thelypteris palustris, Thelypteris dentata, Thelypteris interrupta, Thelypteris ovata, Thelyteris serrata, etc.

Plant Specifics

Form:Fern
Size:1-2 (5) ft tall by Spreads ft wide
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:The native range varies by species. Please use species appropriate to your area.
Propagation:Division. These ferns will spread broadly if conditions are appropriate.
Availability:Friends, Native nurseries
Light: Part Shade,  Shade
Moisture Tolerance:
always floodedextremely dry
 (Stays Wet ----- to ----- Not wet but not extremely dry)
Moisture Tolerance: Stays Wet ----- to ----- Not wet but not extremely dry
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.
Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray
Soil or other substrate:Humus (organic, upland), Loam, Organic material (muck), Lime rock, Sand
Soil pH:Varies, mostly acidic

Ecology

Wildlife:

Cover for many ground-dwelling species.

Insects:
Native Habitats:Hydric and mesic hammocks, shallow swamps and swamp edges, floodplains.

Distribution and Planting Zones

Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones

Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 11 8A 8B 9A 9B 

USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures

Comments

General Comments:These are generally moist site ferns though some (T. kunthii, T. ovata) grow in mesic uplands. Most are similar in appearance, and all will grow in a moist, shady garden setting. Most are adaptable and easy to grow.