Blechnum chambersii
Lance Fern, known as nini or rereti in Māori, is a distinctive medium-sized native fern that forms elegant tufted rosettes with strongly dimorphic fronds ranging 12-65cm long, creating compact displays perfect for the deeply shaded banks and stream-sides where it naturally thrives throughout New Zealand's forests. This adaptable species emerges with fresh green fronds often tinged pinkish that mature to dark green with attractive maroon highlights, featuring narrowly lance-shaped sterile fronds and separate fertile fronds with distinctive continuous sori along the pinnae margins. Found from coastal to montane environments across all main islands and the Chathams, this slow-growing ground fern particularly luxuriates in limestone areas near cave entrances, along shaded waterfall spray zones, and on damp rock walls where it brings authentic forest understory character to shaded gardens, ferneries, and naturalistic woodland plantings seeking that quintessential New Zealand forest floor atmosphere. native ferns
Image credit: Lance Fern (Blechnum chambersii). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Blechnum chambersii (syn. Austroblechnum lanceolatum) |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.12-0.65 meters |
| Spread | 0.2-0.4 meters (compact rosette) |
| Water Needs | High (stream-side native) |
| Light | Shade to deep shade preferred |
| Frost Tolerance | Good (montane native) |
| Salt Tolerance | Not applicable (inland species) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Lance Fern thrives in New Zealand's temperate humid climates, performing best in areas with reliable moisture and good humidity. It adapts well to coastal and montane conditions where consistent moisture is available.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Good |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Good |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Good |
Lance Fern has specific moisture and drainage needs:
Prefers deep shade conditions:
High moisture needs:
Ideal for shaded stream edges, ferneries, and woodland gardens where its dimorphic fronds provide texture and authentic forest character.
Lance Fern requires minimal maintenance:
The dimorphic frond pattern and compact rosette form are natural attractions that should be preserved through minimal intervention.
The best time to plant Lance Fern is during spring or early autumn when temperatures are moderate and moisture is naturally available.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture and provide protection from direct sunlight. This slow-growing fern requires patience but rewards with elegant, long-lasting displays.
Growing from spores requires specialized techniques:
Division is possible with mature clumps:
Available from specialized fern nurseries and native plant suppliers, though may require special ordering due to specific growing requirements.
Lance Fern (Blechnum chambersii) represents both the rich fern diversity of New Zealand's forests and the taxonomic complexity of modern botanical science:
Today, Lance Fern serves as an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to recreate authentic New Zealand forest floor conditions, providing elegant structure and authentic native character to shaded gardens and ferneries.
Provide appropriate shade, consistent moisture, and good air circulation. Control slugs and snails in garden settings. This naturally hardy fern thrives when cultural conditions match its forest habitat preferences.
Lance Fern is perfect for creating that authentic New Zealand forest floor atmosphere in shaded gardens - the dimorphic fronds are botanically fascinating with their distinctly different sterile and fertile forms. Plant it near water features or in areas with consistent moisture, and watch for the beautiful color progression from pinkish new growth to dark green-maroon mature fronds. This slow-growing beauty rewards patience and is particularly stunning when grown in groups to mimic its natural colony-forming habit. The key to success is deep shade and consistent moisture - think stream bank or waterfall spray zone conditions.
Learn more about New Zealand's forest heritage in Native Ferns.
Maintain consistent moisture and deep organic mulch; protect from direct sun and drying winds; keep crowns clear and ensure good airflow.
Blechnum chambersii (often treated as Austroblechnum lanceolatum) is a medium, tufted fern with strongly dimorphic fronds. Sterile fronds are narrowly lanceolate and arching; fertile fronds are narrower with continuous sori along pinnae, giving a distinct textural contrast within the clump.
Widespread from coastal to montane forests on shaded stream banks, damp rock walls, limestone areas, and cave entrances. Prefers consistently moist, cool, and humid microclimates with free‑draining, organic‑rich soils.
Dense rosettes protect soil on banks, intercept splash and runoff, and create sheltered niches for invertebrates and bryophytes. Spore production on fertile fronds enables dispersal to suitable, humid microsites nearby.
Acts as a reliable understorey stabiliser and humidity maintainer in shaded gullies and riparian forests. In restoration, it helps establish a fern layer that supports moisture retention and biodiversity.
Remove old or damaged fronds at the base. Maintain even moisture year‑round; increase humidity during dry spells. Control slugs and snails around young fronds.
Ideal for fernaries, shaded stream edges, and woodland gardens where its dimorphic fronds provide texture. Pairs with nikau, kawakawa, and shade‑tolerant grasses for lush understorey.
Not threatened. Protect shaded riparian habitats from clearance and maintain canopy cover to preserve the cool, humid conditions this fern requires.
Many blechnum ferns feature in rongoā Māori and practical use, from lining hāngi pits to poultices for skin complaints. Their presence in damp gullies and along streams was read as a sign of healthy wai (water) and fertile forest soils.
In contemporary restoration, Lance Fern is valued for quickly rebuilding shaded understory cover on damp, sheltered slopes where its upright sterile fronds and separate fertile fronds add structure and resilience.
