This fern develops a branched wiry creeping rhizome in tuffs and forms a mat-like habit. It has narrow divided dark green oblong fronds that are upright and the fertile fronds appear during summer. 

Hardiness zones 7 to 9 

Blechnum penna-marina is naturally found in Australia from the east coast of northern Queensland to Victoria, Tasmania and is also found in South America. 

It prefers a moist sheltered position and grows in damp to boggy sandy to peaty loams. It is frost tolerant but drought tender. 

The Alpine Water Fern is a hardy small plant that is grown for its spreading habit and foliage. It is planted in rockeries that are moist and shaded and used as a ground cover around a water feature. It is also planted in pots and has a moderate growth rate establishing in 2 to 3 years from division. During winter the plant becomes dormant.

Blechnum (BLEK-num) penna-marina (PEN-a-ma-REEN-a)

Blechnaceae (blek-NAY-see-ee)