Australian Tree Fern

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Australian Tree Fern

Sphaeropteris cooperi

• Common Name: Australian Tree Fern
  
• Scientific Name: Sphaeropteris cooperi
  
• Family name: Cyatheaceae
  
• Origin: Australia
• Height: 25 – 40 ft
  
• Width: 6 – 8 ft
  
• Growth: Slow
  
• Zone: 8a - 11
  
• Light needs: Partial shade – full shade
  
• Salt tolerance: Low
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soil types, well drained, acidic to mildly acidic (pH 5.6 – 6.5)
  
• Moisture: Average water needs – should be watered regularly
  
• Drought tolerance: Moderate
  
• Pests/diseases: No major concerns with pests and diseases, mealybugs and mites may pose a minor issue
  
• Growing conditions: Should be planted in a shady, somewhat moist area, in fertile, well-drained, sandy loam soil. Does well both in the ground or in a large container.
  
• Characteristics: Trunk is russet-colored with oval-shaped leaf scars. Leaves are whorled, compound, and can reach up to a foot in length, with an intricate lace-like shape. Leaves are green on top with pale green undersides. There are no flowers or fruit, as this plant reproduces using spores.
  
• Propagation: From spores
  
• Facts: Tree ferns are one of the oldest plant groups, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. The trunk of the Australian Tree Fern may reach a diameter of up to one foot.
  
• Designer considerations: Great for a specimen planting or as an interesting plant for shady areas. Looks nice next to small ponds or in large containers.