Iron Fern
Rumohra adiantiformis
- Native to:
- Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Central American Pacific Is., Chatham Is., Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Falkland Is., Galápagos, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Madagascar, Mauritius, New Guinea, New Zealand, Peru, Puerto Rico, Réunion, Seychelles, South Africa, Tristan da Cunha, United States, Uruguay, Zimbabwe
Photo by David J. Stang
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Polypodiaceae
- Genus:
- Rumohra
- Species:
- Rumohra adiantiformis
- USDA Symbol:
- RUAD
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ferns Undulambia Moth (Undulambia polystichalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded, humid environments
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Propagates via spores; requires high humidity and indirect light for spore germination on sterile medium.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI