Lindsaea linearis
Screw Fern
Small fern with fronds close or distant along creeping underground stem (rhizome). Fertile fronds erect, slender and longer than arching to prostrate sterile fronds. Fronds dissimilar.
Additional information
- FamilyLindsaeaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size5-30 cm x 20 cm
- Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
- LeavesNarrow, once divided fronds. Segments of sterile fronds wedge- to fan-shaped to 1 cm wide, veins radiating, outer margin scalloped; fertile segments fan-shaped, curved down, outer margin frilled. Stems shiny red-brown to blackish.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Spore case in a narrow band along the outer margin within a pair of frilled parallel membranous coverings.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist, poorly drained soils in open forests, woodlands and scrub in lowlands and foothills. Full sun, semi shade.
- Garden useGrow in ferneries and rock gardens where the soil remains moist but there is adequate light. Plant as drifts under trees. Can be difficult to establish.
- Commercially availableNo information available
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Healesville Sanctuary ©; 2 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Yarra Ranges Council photo library
Plant Communities