Ostrich Fern

Scientific name: Matteuccia struthiopteris

Date collected: 4/18/2011

Location collected: UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens

Habitat: The Ostrich Fern was located near other ferns and in a shaded area under the tall fern trees.

Nativity: The Ostrich fern is native to North America and Eurasia and grows in temperate regions.

Special notes: The Ostrich Fern reaches up to 2-3 feet tall in cultivation but can reach 6 feet tall in cool climates in the wild. The Ostrich Fern’s name comes from its ferns that resemble the long feathery plumes of an ostrich. The Ostrich fern lose all their leaflets by fall as the plants go dormant during the winter. 

Resources: 

• Kemper Center For Home Gardening

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

Horsetail

Scientific name: Equisetum hyemale

Date collected: 4/18/2011

Location collected: UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens

Habitat: The Horsetail was located near a man-made "river" and also where there were other palm trees near it.

Nativity: The Horsetail is native to North America and Eurasia. It flourishes on damp soil in meadows, gardens and wasteland.

Special notes: The Horsetail has an ability to collect gold, copper, lead and more. Horsetail reproduces by spores and is difficult to cultivate because new stems regenerate from rhizome fragments. This plant is toxic to livestock such as, horses, sheep etc.

Resources:

• Garden Organic

Australian Tree Fern

Scientific name: Cyathea cooperi

Date collected: 4/18/2011

Location collected: UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Habitat: The Australian Tree Fern was found spaced out from the other ferns most likely because of its relatively large size. 

Nativity: The Australian Tree Fern is native to Australia. This plant is native to tropic and subtropical forests where it is very moisture and humid. It also grows best in rich soil.

Special notes: Some parts of the Australian Tree Fern can be toxic when ingested. When fully grown, the Australian Tree Fern can grow up to 30-40 feet tall with leaves that are 8-10 feet long.

Resources: 

• About.com
• Dave's Garden
• Gardening Central