Nephrolepis biserrata (Giant Sword Fern)

Nephrolepis biserrata (Giant Sword Fern) is a large, erect, spreading, evergreen fern forming beautiful mounds of long, narrow, arching fronds that can reach 8 ft. (240 cm). It creates a lush, tropical effect, its tall fronds quickly spreading from horizontal stolons. Native to Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, South America, Africa, and southeast Asia, Giant Sword Fern is found growing in moist hammocks and swamps. This tropical species is hardy in zones 10-11, where it makes a large accent groundcover and is excellent for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. This is a very tall fern, so best planted toward the back of a garden.

• Grows up to 3-8 ft. tall (90-240 cm). Will spread from horizontal stolons to form large colonies.
• Performs best in rich, moist to wet, well-drained to poorly-drained soils in partial shade to full shade. Can grow in nutrient poor soils, but needs some organic content to thrive. This sword fern is intolerant of long periods of drought.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
• Propagate by division.
• Native to Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, South America, Africa, and southeast Asia.