New Zealand is home to over 200 species of native ferns, from towering tree ferns to tiny filmy ferns that grow on damp rocks. These ancient plants have evolved in isolation for millions of years, creating unique forms found nowhere else on Earth. Our native ferns range from easy-to-grow garden specimens to rare and specialized species with specific habitat requirements.
About New Zealand Native Ferns
New Zealand is renowned for its rich diversity of native ferns, from towering tree ferns like ponga (Cyathea dealbata) and whekī (Dicksonia squarrosa) to delicate ground ferns and epiphytes. Ferns play a vital role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat, stabilizing soil, and contributing to the lush, green understory. Many species hold cultural significance for Māori, with ponga fronds symbolizing new life and growth. Distinctive species like Black-stemmed Fern with its striking dark costae and Prickly Shield Fern with its hardy, textured fronds add architectural interest to gardens. Native ferns are popular in gardens for their resilience, shade tolerance, and unique textures, making them a staple of New Zealand landscapes. Ground ferns like Hairy Fern with its distinctive bristly scales and Gully Fern with its delicate feathery fronds create attractive displays in forest floors and waterway margins.
Silver Fern
Cyathea dealbata
New Zealand's iconic tree fern with distinctive silvery-white undersides to its fronds.
Bracken Fern
Dicksonia squarrosa
A distinctive and widespread fern that was traditionally used by Māori.
Whekī
Dicksonia squarrosa
A distinctive tree fern with a slender black trunk and crown of dark green fronds.
Hen and Chickens Fern
Asplenium bulbiferum
A popular garden fern that produces baby plants on its fronds, perfect for propagation.
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Hound's Tongue Fern
Microsorum pustulatum
A versatile epiphytic fern with leathery fronds that grows on trees or rocks.
Climbing Shield Fern
Dendroconche scandens
A distinctive climbing fern with thin stems that grows on tree trunks and branches in forest environments.
Prince of Wales Feathers
Leptopteris superba
A delicate, filmy fern with crystalline appearance, creating an ethereal presence in damp forest environments.
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Kiokio
Blechnum novae-zelandiae
Distinctive fern with striking red-pink new growth that matures to deep green, adaptable to various conditions.
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Wheki-Ponga
Dicksonia fibrosa
A tree fern with thick, fibrous trunks and large, arching fronds, common in damp forests throughout New Zealand.
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Button Fern
Pellaea rotundifolia
A charming compact fern with distinctive round leaflets, perfect for rock gardens and dry shade areas.
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River Fern
Cranfillia fluviatilis
River fern is a native fern species found along waterways and in damp forest areas.
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Hooker's Spleenwort
Asplenium hookerianum
Small, terrestrial fern with finely divided fronds.
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Small Kiokio
Blechnum procerum
Small, terrestrial fern with leathery fronds, often found in damp areas.
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Prickly Shield Fern
Polystichum vestitum
Large, robust fern with prickly fronds, common in forests.
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Cabbage Tree
Cordyline australis
Complete guide to Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis), including care tips, propagation methods, and its ecological and cultural...
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