Boston Swordfern
Nephrolepis exaltata
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Hawaii, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © tkbay (iNaturalist #23711813)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Polypodiaceae
- Genus:
- Nephrolepis
- Species:
- Nephrolepis exaltata
- USDA Symbol:
- NEEX
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Florida fern moth (Callopistria floridensis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers humid environments typical of tropical forests
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Spores require moist, sterile conditions for germination; not typically grown from seed in cultivation.