Swamp Fern

Blechnum serrulatum Richard

BLECK-num sair-you-LAY tum

Ferns

Explanation of name: From the Greek blechnon, the ancient name for ferns (FNA). Serrulatum refers to the serrulate leaf margins.

Natural range: Central and South Florida. NE4 notes one population outside of this range near Panama City, Florida.

Natural habitat: Swamps, cypress wetlands, hammocks, marshes, wet pine flatwoods, wet prairies (NE4, TOB)

Recognition: Erect to arching, shiny green stiff fronds 1’-4’ tall. (Per NE5, fronds will be taller in the shade and shorter in the sun.) Pinnae are alternate with a crinkled appearance and finely serrulate margins. The veins of the pinnae are closely spaced and parallel, extending from the midrib to the margin and angling slightly toward the tip (TOB). New growth is pinkish to burgundy or bronze. The sori are parallel lines along either side of the midrib.

 Landscape uses: Swamp Fern is common in Central and South Florida. It can be an aggressive spreader. As such, it isn’t suited for formal gardens, but if one wishes to create a fernery or a wild, naturalistic garden, this fern will fill space quickly. Swamp fern, as its name implies, prefers a moist situation, but is seemingly indifferent to sun exposure or soil texture, except that life in full sun dwarfs the plants (FNA, NE4, HAE).