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, Venezuela, Zimbabwe
Forest & Kim Starr (www.hear.org)
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
- Deer Resistant:
- 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:
- Spores require moist, sterile conditions for germination; division of rhizomes is the common propagation method.