Botanical name:

Leptolepia novae-zelandiae

Common name(s):

Lace fern

About:

A fern commonly found in shaded forest areas throughout New Zealand. The fronds are widely spaced along the creeping rhizomes, which can extend significantly, and they grow up to about 90 cm long. The fronds are typically triangular in shape and exhibit a rich dark green colour, with very finely divided leaflets that add to their intricate appearance. This fern can be quite fast-spreading in its growth pattern, making it somewhat difficult to control once it has established itself in an area. Additionally, it is not usually available for purchase in commercial markets. This plant thrives in environments that provide fairly heavy shade, making it ideal for understory growth.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane confined to deeply shaded, forested sites, where it is often found on rock piles, along streams and river banks (in places where the forest overhangs the waterways) or around seepages and springs. Often uncommon, though sometimes locally abundant.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wetland & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand

Height: 60cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests & Wetland’s

How to grow:

Easily grown although often slow to establish. Does best in a shaded, damp site. Tolerant of wide range of soil types but will not withstand drought. Once established Leptolepia can sometimes become invasive