Botanical name:

Alsophila tricolor (Cyathea dealbata)

Common name(s):

Ponga, Silver Fern, Tree Fern

About:

The Silver Fern is a highly recognised national symbol of New Zealand, celebrated for its unique beauty and cultural significance. It is named for its strikingly vibrant green fronds, which showcase alluring silver undersides and can reach impressive lengths of up to 3m. The trunk of the plant is elegantly adorned with intricate patterns left by fallen fronds from previous seasons. This versatile fern is ideal for architectural landscaping, serving effectively as a lush forest understory, or as a standout specimen tree that brings distinctive character to home gardens.

Natural habitat:

Common, primarily coastal and lowland habitats but extending to lower montane. Preferring dry forest and shrub-land, often under pines.

Growing environment:

Shade, Salt & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

From the Three Kings Islands south to Mahers Swamp in the west and Dunedin in the east of the South Island.

Height: 10m

Flowering:

N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting:

N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings & Container friendly

How to grow:

Can be grown from fresh spores (but slow). Young plants transplant easily and freshly felled trunks will usually re-sprout if planted and carefully watered. Easy, once established in a variety of conditions.