Erect Sword Fern

Scientific name: Nephrolepis cordifolia

Date collected: 4/18/2011

Location collected: UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens

Habitat: The Erect Sword Fern was placed near other ferns and was kept under other fern trees in the shade.

Nativity: The Erect Sword Fern is a non-native plant that was introduced into the United States. In the U.S. it is native to Florida, Hawaii, and a couple other states where the climate is similar to the tropics. This fern naturally grows in woodlands

Special notes: The Erect Sword Fern is a fast growing invasive fern and has taken over the spots of many native plants in Florida. It reproduces using spores, tubers, stolons, etc. 

Resources:

• Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas
• Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida