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Sphaeropteris cooperi: Australian Tree Fern

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean

Release Date: 4/15/2019

Reviewed At: 5/1/2023

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fp557-1999

Agriculture

Abstract

The Australian tree fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi) is a tropical, single-trunked fern native to eastern Australia, growing 15-30 feet tall. It has finely textured, lacy, bipinnately compound leaves and thrives in USDA zones 10B-11, in well-drained, sandy loam soils with partial to full shade. It requires regular moisture and light fertilization. The plant is non-invasive and suitable for shaded landscapes or near water features. Common pests include mites, mealy bugs, and termites, but it generally resists diseases. Original publication date October 1999.

About this Publication

This document is FPS-557, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised December 2019. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Edward F. Gilman, professor emeritus, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, former associate professor, Agricultural Engineering Department; Ryan W. Klein, graduate assistant, Environmental Horticulture Department; Andrew K. Koeser, assistant professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center; Deborah R. Hilbert, graduate assistant, Environmental Horticulture Department, GCREC; and Drew C. McLean, biological scientist, Environmental Horticulture Department, GCREC; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.