This week we are highlighting the giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium)! This fern is appropriately named for its ‘giant’ size sometimes reaching heights over 10 feet tall! Ferns are among one of the oldest groups of plants on earth. However, most ferns alive today are considered relatively ‘new’.

Giant leather fern is found throughout most peninsular Florida counties. This fern grows native in brackish to freshwater marshes, streams, and floodplains. Look for giant leather fern on Sanibel where it is likely growing amongst our native Spartina bakeri in our wetland and marsh habitats.

It has a moderate to somewhat slow growth rate and prefers part sun to full shade, and moist to wet soils (it can handle full sun if soil is kept moist to wet). Because it prefers moist to wet habitats this fern is not drought tolerant. It can tolerate some exposure to salt.

Giant leather fern’s height can range from 4-10+ feet tall, and its impressive fronds remain year round. Like other ferns, giant leather fern does not flower, instead it produces reproductive spores found on the underside of its fertile fronds.

Use this unique fern as a stunning specimen plant, or in mass plantings (just make sure to give it enough space to spread!).

For more information:

Florida Native Plant Society:

https://www.fnps.org/plant/acrostichum-danaeifolium#gsc.tab=0

IFAS Extension Office:

https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP012

Atlas of Florida Plants:

https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/plant/species/2191