Natural Area Weeds: Distinguishing Native and Non-Native "Boston Ferns" and "Sword Ferns" (Nephrolepis spp.)
Vol. 2017 No. 6, Historical Fact Sheets
Vol. 2017 No. 6

Natural Area Weeds: Distinguishing Native and Non-Native "Boston Ferns" and "Sword Ferns" (Nephrolepis spp.): SSAGR22/AG120, 12/2017

Historical Fact Sheets
https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ag120-2001
Published 2001-08-08 — Updated on 2017-12-12
K.A. Langeland
University of Florida
S.F. Enloe
University of Florida
Typical young 'Fiesta' plants approximately 30 days after tubers were planted in the ground bed. Figure 3 from publication ENH1281/EP545: Caladium Cultivars ‘Cosmic Delight’, ‘Fiesta’ and ‘Hearts Desire’. Credit: Zhanao Deng, UF/IFAS.

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ferns
weeds

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How to Cite

Langeland, K.A., and S.F. Enloe. (2001) 2017. “Natural Area Weeds: Distinguishing Native and Non-Native "Boston Ferns" and ‘Sword Ferns’ (Nephrolepis spp.): SSAGR22 AG120, 12 2017”. EDIS 2017 (6). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ag120-2001.
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Abstract

The proliferation of non-native Nephrolepis fern species in Florida's natural areas poses a significant challenge for distinguishing them from native sword ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) and giant sword ferns (Nephrolepis biserrata). This fact sheet examines the invasive tuberous sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) and Asian sword fern (Nephrolepis brownii), which resemble native species but disrupt local ecosystems. The document provides identification tools including morphological contrasts, a dichotomous key, and detailed images. Key characteristics such as tuber presence, scale coloration, pinnae arrangement, and indusia shape aid in species differentiation. Control measures including herbicide use and disposal guidelines are also outlined to manage these invasive ferns effectively.

https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ag120-2001
PDF-2017

References

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Langeland, K.A., and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. SP257. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Nauman, C. E. 1981. "The genus Nephrolepis in Florida." American Fern J. 2: 35-40.

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