This fern has an upright  rhizome to 600mm (2ft) tall forming a trunk (caudex) and has stolons forming offset plants. It has arching spreading dark green fishbone-like fronds that radiate from the centre and the fertile fronds are smaller. 

Hardiness zones 8 to 11 

Blechnum discolor is naturally found throughout New Zealand growing in forests from sea level to an altitude of 900m (2900ft). 

It prefers a well drained organic rich moist soil but will tolerate drier soils and grows in a semi shaded position with wind, heavy frost and drought protection.  

Crown Fern is grown for its attractive foliage and is planted in shady small gardens as a specimen or used in rockeries around water features. It is also used as a container plant and is suitable for protected coastal and low-mountain regions. It establishes in 2 to 3 years and forms large colonies. ID 2764

Blechnum (BLEK-num) discolor (dis-ko-lor)

Blechnaceae (blek-NAY-see-ee)