This very hardy terrestrial or epiphytic fern has tufted rhizomes with wiry stolons that form a clump. It has upright to arching dull green divided fronds (fish bone-like) and the fertile fronds appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Nephrolepis cordifoliais naturally found in Australia growing on the east coast from Queensland to northern New South Wales. It is also found in the Northern Territory and north-western Western Australia.

It tolerates most well drained fertile soils and grows in a open sunny to shaded position and is shade and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

Fishbone Fern is grown for its foliage and spreading habit. It is planted in parks and gardens as a ground cover or used as a spill-over and mass planted on embankments. It establishes in 1 to 2 years growing in a wide range of climate zones. It is also planted in pots or hanging baskets or used around water features. This is a hardy species that requires little attention and forms large colonies and may be a weed problem.ID 436

Nephrolepis (nef-rô-LEP-is) cordifolia(kor-di-FO-lee-a)

Polypodiaceae(pol-ee-PODE-ay-see-ee)