This variable epiphytic or terrestrial fern has a large creeping rhizome up to 25mm (1in) thick and is covered in golden-brown hair-like scales. The oblong arching grey-green fronds are deeply lobed with the spores form in rows on the underside.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Phlebodium aureum is naturally found in tropical America and Florida growing as an understorey plant with a creeping rhizome that climbs over rocks or up the trunks of trees as an epiphyte. It will tolerate partial full sun but prefers dappled light and grows in organic rich moist but well drained soils and requires wind, frost and drought protection.

Hare's Foot Fern is a large fern that is grown for its foliage and is used in tropical gardens or ferneries as a specimen plant. It is also used as a pot or hanging basket specimen and in cool climates it is grown as an indoor or as a glasshouse specimen establishing from division in 2 to 3 years.ID 1343

Phlebodium(FLEB-ô-dee-um) aureum (ow-ree-um)

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