Which type of fern is this?

'Nephrolepis exaltata', known as the sword fern or Boston fern, is a species of fern native to tropical regions throughout the world.

Most ferns have erect fronds (branches), but the Boston fern has gracefully arching fronds. This mutation was discovered in a shipment of ferns to Boston from Philadelphia in 1894.

Other proposals for the origin of the term Boston fern were documented that the term came from Florida pioneer nurseryman John Soar who sent the plants to his friend in Boston.

It is common in humid forests and swamps, especially in northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Florida, the West Indies, Polynesia and Africa. Ferns love moist, shady locations and is found frequently in swamps and floodplains.

It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. The USA National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Clean Air Study determined that this plant was effective at removing common household air toxins formaldehyde and xylene.

The Boston fern is a very popular house plant, often grown in hanging baskets or similar conditions. It is a perennial hardy plant. Although the fern may appear totally dead due to frost, it will re-emerge in the spring.

In general, the Boston fern likes damp, but not soggy soil that is rich in nutrients. Of the common cultivated ferns, the Boston fern is the most tolerant to drought. It is safe for pets as it is known to be non-toxic.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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John W Shreve

earlepg, Wow. Several houses in California. We had our home in SF and a summer home in Sonoma.

earlepg

When attending forestry classes at college on the northwest coast of California, I learned that it was called the SWORD FERN. Upon seeing the picture, I was looking for that name, thinking that the boston fern was something different. It is very common on the northern coast of California, which I found out by trudgjng through them for many hours in the rain while learning about the redwoods (and associated species). Of course, a few years later, we had to plant a few of them at our houses in Los Angeles and near Sacramento.