Ray Fern
Schizaea pennula
- Native to:
- Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Venezuela
GBIF: Christenhusz, M.J.M.; Félix, L.P.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Schizaeaceae
- Genus:
- Schizaea
- Species:
- Schizaea pennula
- USDA Symbol:
- SCPE7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Occurs in fire-maintained pine savannas; fire reduces competition and exposes mineral soil for spore germination.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- thrives in open, sunlit areas with poor soil