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House holly fern

How to identify House holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

House holly fern, also known as Japanese holly fern, Japanese holly, Fish Tail

House holly fern features distinct fronds that are pinnately compound and possess an oblong-ovate shape with a curved (falcate) appearance. The fronds are notable for their lack of the lacy-like texture common in many ferns. They bear sori that are evenly distributed, round, and numerous, with each sorus protected by a peltate, circular indusium. The rhizomes are angled upwards to erect and are characteristically short, with a dense covering of basal scales. Despite their robust appearance, house holly fern's fronds retain a relatively modest size, making them suitable for various garden settings or as indoor plants.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Fern

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify House holly fern

1

Pinnately compound fronds with oblong-ovate shape and curved appearance.

2

Distinct lack of lacy-like texture on fronds, suitable for various garden settings.

3

Short, angled rhizomes with dense covering of basal scales.

4

Dark green, coarse, leathery leaves growing up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length.

5

Slender, arching stem measuring up to 2 feet (60 cm) with consistent 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thickness.

House holly fernHouse holly fernHouse holly fernHouse holly fernHouse holly fern

Detailed Traits of House holly fern

Leaf Features

The leaves of house holly fern are characterized by their dark green, coarse, and leathery texture. Each frond grows to about 2 feet (60 cm) in length. The plant features a stiff, arching form with 3-11 pairs of 3-4 inch (7.5-10 cm) long, scythe-shaped pinnate fronds. These fronds are pinnately compound with short-petiolulate, oblong to ovate, falcate leaves, having a dentate margin above and an entire margin basally.

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Stem Features

The stem of house holly fern is slender and arching, forming a graceful mound. It exhibits a smooth texture and a green hue, which can darken with age. Typically measuring up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height, it maintains a consistent thickness of approximately 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). The stem primarily displays a non-branching pattern, characterized by its elegant curvature. These features make it a distinct and recognizable attribute of house holly fern.

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Key Facts About House holly fern

Attributes of House holly fern
Plant Height
30 cm to 40 cm
Spread
1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of House holly fern

Class
Ferns
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Family
Wood fern
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Species
House holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
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Distribution Map of House holly fern

House holly fern, a widely established fern, is native to several regions in East Asia. Globally, its presence spans numerous continents where it has been introduced, adapting to various environments. In cultivation, house holly fern enjoys popularity for its ornamental qualities and thrives outside its native range in both private and public gardens. While house holly fern may be seen as having a presence that is sometimes thought to be invasive in certain areas, for the most part, it is cultivated responsibly and its impact on ecosystems is typically minimal.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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