This tree fern has a darkish fibrous trunk with old leaf bases and is up to 300 mm (1ft) diameter and topped with a rosette of spreading fronds. The lacy soft bright green drooping fronds are divided into lance-shaped leaflets and spores appear on the underside.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10 

Cyathea smithii is naturally found in New Zealand growing in the north and south Island, Stuart islands and Chatham Island and is the most southerly occurring tree fern the world. It grows in the coastal lowlands to the low-mountainous regions and is commonly associated with water courses. 

It prefers  a well drained organic rich moist fertile soil in a semi shaded to sunny wind protected moist, cooler environment and is mild frost tolerant but drought tender. 

The Soft Tree Fern is grown for its foliage and is planted in small gardens along shaded borders or used around water features for a tropical effect. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived. It is also suitable for moist gully plantings and is used in protected shaded courtyards. ID 3208

Cyathea (sy-AY-thee-ah) smithii (SMITH-ee-eye)

Cyatheaceae (sy-AY-thee-AY-see-ee)