Origin
The Tropics
Ecological Impact
Spreads aggressively into the landscape. Can produce dense crowns of drooping leaves that displaces native ground cover. Listed as a Category I species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC).
Description
Leaves (fronds) are once pinnate that are up to 3 feet long and 2.8 inches wide. Forty to one hundred leaflets (pinnae) may be found on each side of the main stalk of the frond with margins slightly or entirely toothed (serrated). Rhizomes are suberect, with spreading, brown linear scales with hairlike tips; producing small ungerground tubers (Langeland and Burks, 1998).
Identification Tips
May be confused with a native fern, Nephrolepis exalta, which does not produce tubers and has more sharply pointed leaflet tips.
History
Spread by natural dispersal of spores and by dumping of yard waste (Langeland and Burks, 1998).
Range
Found throughout the state of Florida, mainly central and southern.
Management Strategies
Do not plant. Discard plant material with household waste.