Natural Area Weeds: Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum)

Stephen F. Enloe, Kenneth A. Langeland, and Jeffrey Hutchinson

Release Date: 8/18/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-ag122-2016

Agriculture

Abstract

Old world climbing fern is an aggressive, twining fern that forms dense smothering mats over trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. It spreads by wind-dispersed spores and is often found in very remote areas, making containment very difficult. This publication describes the biology and ecology of this invasive plant and provides management options for both public land managers and private landowners.

About this Publication

This document is SS-AGR-21, one of a series of the Department of Agronomy, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date August 2001. Revised February 2013, July 2016, November 2021, and December 2024. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Stephen F. Enloe, associate professor, Department of Agronomy, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants; Kenneth A. Langeland, retired professor, Department of Agronomy; and Jeffrey Hutchinson, assistant professor, University of Texas; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Langeland, K. A., Enloe, S. F., & Hutchinson, J. (2016). Natural Area Weeds: Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum). EDIS, 2016(7). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ag122-2016