Acrostichum danaeifolium (Giant Leather Fern)

Acrostichum danaeifolium (Giant Leather Fern) is an evergreen fern adorned with very tall, erect to arching, pinnately divided fronds. Up to 12 ft. long (360cm), the fronds are deep green above, paler beneath. Incredibly showy, the fertile fronds are densely coated with reddish to cinnamon spore cases, giving the plant a bi-color appearance. Native to Florida, Giant Leather Fern occurs naturally in brackish and freshwater marshes of the central and southern peninsula. Adding a wonderful vertical accent to the garden, Giant Leather Fern is useful along the edges of freshwater or brackish ponds and marshes. It can be used as a specimen plant, in a mass planting or as a hedge.

• Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall (180-360 cm) and 5-10 ft. wide (150-300 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in organically rich, moist to wet, poorly-drained soils. Tolerant of frequent or regular inundation, Giant Leather Fern withstands significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without injury.
• Perfect for native plant gardens, woodland gardens, bog gardens or along ponds and streams.
• Generally pest and disease free. 
• Cut down old fronds when they deteriorate.
• Propagate by spores.
• Native to Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.