Sticherus tener

Silky Fan-fern

Erect fern with repeatedly forking fan-shaped bright green fronds forming an umbrella-like bushy colony. Spreads on long-creeping forking underground stems (rhizomes).

Additional information

• FamilyGleicheniaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Size1-2 m high
• Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
• Leaves1-4 tiers of divided, paired leaflets. Final divisions narrow to narrowly lance-shaped; final segments almost at right angles to midrib, 8-15 mm long, segments uneven, scalloped at ends, white to pale brown hairs below. Smooth shiny brown stem 6-90 cm long.
• FlowersNon-flowering. Clusters of 3-6 roundish yellow-brown spore cases on side veins 1/3 to halfway between the midrib and margin.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsMoist clay soils along watercourses in wet and riparian forests and in disturbed sites. Semi shade to full shade.
• Garden useAttractive fern for fern gullies and large fern gardens.
• Commercially availableNo information available
• Conservation statusRestricted distribution but may be locally common.

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Plant Communities