This attractive small fern has an erect rhizome with upright-spreading foliage forming a clump habit. It has stolons that form offset plants and has dark green fishbone-like fronds and the erect fertile fronds appear during early summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11 

Blechnum fluviatile is naturally found from the North to South Island of New Zealand and in south-eastern Australia growing in coastal lowland and mountainous regions commonly along streams in damp shady areas. It prefers a damp to wet fertile soil in a shaded humid protected positionand is frost tolerant but drought tender.

The Ray Water Fern is grown for its foliage and prostrate habit. It is planted in moist shaded rockeries or around water features. It is also grown as a specimen in a fernery establishing from division in 2 to 3 years and is suitable for coastal and mountain regions. ID 2878

Blechnum (BLEK-num) fluviatile (flew-vi-ā-tel)

Blechnaceae (blek-NAY-see-ee)