How to identify Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum)

How to identify Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum)

Japanese climbing fern is a vining fern that exhibits an extraordinary ability to entwine and cover surrounding vegetation up to 90 feet (27 meters) tall. It possesses a robust rhizomatous root system that can form a thick mat reaching depths of nearly 10 feet (3 meters). The fronds are distinctive with extended, feathery pinnules and a rachis capable of twisting. Sori, reproductive structures, are present on unique, finger-like lobes along the pinnule edges, and wind assists in spore dispersal. This fern demonstrates evergreen characteristics in tropical climates and a deciduous nature in regions experiencing frost.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Japanese climbing fern

Vining fern, capable of entwining and covering up to 90 feet (27 meters) tall.

Distinctive fronds with extended, feathery pinnules and twisting rachis.

Sori present on finger-like lobes along the pinnule edges for spore dispersal.

Evergreen in tropical climates, deciduous in frost-prone regions.

Robust rhizomatous root system forming a thick mat up to 10 feet (3 meters) deep.

Detailed Traits of Japanese climbing fern

Leaf Features

The leaves of japanese climbing fern are twice-pinnately compound and resemble vine-like fronds that can reach up to 90 feet (27 meters) in length. The leaflets are triangular, typically 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) long and 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) wide, finely dissected with hairs on the undersurface. They are pinnately compound to decompound and dimorphic. Pinnae are borne on the rachis in distant pairs on short stalks, with entire to serrate sterile pinnae and fertile ones having finger-like lobes. The stipes and rachis are wiry and twining.

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Stem Features

The stem of japanese climbing fern is thin, wiry, and exceptionally strong, exhibiting a twining growth habit. Its color transitions from green in younger stages to orange and eventually black as it matures. The stems are slender, measuring approximately 0.04 inches (1 mm) in thickness. They possess a flexible, yet robust texture, allowing the vines to climb and wrap around supports effectively. No significant branching pattern is observed, emphasizing its distinctive twining capability.

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Japanese climbing fern and Their Similar Plants

Old world climbing fern vs. Japanese climbing fern: What's The Difference?

This fern produces a creeping stem from which the leaves that are very long grow, the longest exceeding 30 meters. The leaves have rachis, which are similar to the vine and can climb other vegetation. What appear to be individual leaves that sprout from the rachis are actually leaflets, which are smaller segments of the main leaf.

American climbing fern vs. Japanese climbing fern: What's The Difference?

American climbing fern (Lygodium palmatum), also known as the Hartford fern, comes from eastern North America. It is hardier than most climbing ferns, especially in temperate regions. Nevertheless, american climbing fern has the distinction of being the first protected plant species in the United States. It received that status in 1869.

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Key Facts About Japanese climbing fern

Attributes of Japanese climbing fern

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

4.5 m to 9 m

Leaf Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Orange

Black

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Japanese climbing fern

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum)

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Distribution Map of Japanese climbing fern

Japanese climbing fern is native to a range of countries across Eastern Asia and the Pacific, flourishing in diverse environments from tropical to temperate zones. While naturally established in its native range, japanese climbing fern has also found footing in other regions such as Southern Africa and Southeastern Europe. In certain areas, notably in North America, japanese climbing fern may be regarded as having potential to affect local flora, though its impact varies by locale and is sometimes thought to be managed effectively.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese climbing fern How to Grow and Care for Japanese climbing fern