Australian Tree Fern

Fast-growing, trunk-forming evergreen fern with a potential to eventually reach 20’ tall, forming a canopy to 8-12’ wide. This long-time landscape favorite features gracefully arching fronds clad in finely-cut bright-green leaves that emerge from tight, snail-like spirals. Adding further interest to this attractive species is the fibrous, brownish-colored hairs that cover the trunk and lower portion of newly emerging fronds. While adding visual appeal, it should be noted that some find this pubescence irritating to the skin. As older fronds eventually die out, being replaced by new fronds, they will tend to persist on the trunk for long periods of time and may be pruned away at their base to maintain a tidy appearance. Left to naturally fall, they reveal an attractive circular pattern on the trunk.  Great for creating a tropical appearance to sheltered, shadier areas of the landscape, and a favored subject for landscape lighting. Prefers regular watering in a well-drained soil, and a partial shade to partial sun exposure.