How to Grow and Care for Christella

Downy wood fern (Christella dentata) is a tropical fern that is widely distributed but in New Zealand, it is classified as At Risk - Naturally Uncommon. The Latin name dentata translates as toothed and refers to the tooth-like configuration of its fronds. This was the first fern to be recorded as naturalized in Hawaii in 1887 after being introduced by settlers.

Kunth's maiden fern (Christella normalis) is an evergreen fern that will grow from 61 to 91 cm tall. It grows wild in the southeastern areas of the United States. It is part of the maiden fern family with 18 cm long, creeping leaves. Commonly found along roadsides, riverbanks and woodland edges. Kunth's maiden fern grows in moist to dry soils.

Christella parasitica is so-called because this fern is considered to be an invasive species and a pest, since it spreads quickly and poses a threat to native plants. Historically, the name had been used broadly until Christensen refined its use in 1910.