Pellaea rotundifolia
Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is a small, compact fern native to New Zealand, Australia, and other Pacific regions. It features distinctive round, leathery leaflets arranged in pairs along wiry stems, giving it a unique button-like appearance. This drought-tolerant fern thrives in rocky outcrops, dry forests, and coastal areas, growing to only 10-30cm in height. Its dark green, glossy fronds are evergreen and form dense clumps, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, containers, and dry shade areas where other ferns struggle to survive. native ferns
Image credit: Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Pellaea rotundifolia |
|---|---|
| Height | 15-30 cm |
| Spread | 20-40 cm (clumping habit) |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Light | Partial shade to full shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Good (tolerates light to moderate frost) |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate (can tolerate some coastal conditions) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Perennial (long-lived in suitable conditions) |
Button Fern is native to New Zealand and Australia, where it grows in dry, rocky habitats, often in crevices and on cliff faces. It is well-adapted to drought conditions and can be found in both coastal and inland areas. This fern prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate periods of dryness, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Moderate |
Button Fern prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. It can tolerate poor soils and is often found growing in crevices and on rocky outcrops. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
This fern is drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots. Once established, it can survive with minimal watering, making it perfect for water-wise gardens. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Button Fern thrives in partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun but prefers protection from hot afternoon sun. In its natural habitat, it often grows in the shade of larger plants or in rocky crevices.
This fern is quite hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive light to moderate frosts and is suitable for most New Zealand climates. In colder regions, it may benefit from some protection during severe frosts.
Button Fern plays several important ecological roles in New Zealand's native ecosystems. As a pioneer species, it helps colonize and stabilize rocky, exposed sites where few other plants can establish. Its dense, spreading growth habit creates microhabitats that provide shelter for small invertebrates, including native insects and spiders. The fern's drought-resistant foliage and ability to grow in nutrient-poor soils make it valuable for soil conservation, particularly on steep slopes and coastal cliffs where erosion is a concern. In forest ecosystems, Button Fern contributes to the understory diversity and helps maintain soil moisture through its ground-covering habit. It also serves as a food source for native herbivores and provides nesting material for small birds. The fern's ability to reproduce both sexually (via spores) and vegetatively (via rhizome spread) allows it to persist in challenging environments and recover from disturbances.
Plant Button Fern in spring or autumn. Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and plant at the same depth it was growing in the container. Water well after planting.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, reduce watering frequency. The fern will tolerate dry periods but performs best with occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.
Button Fern generally doesn't require much fertilization. If needed, apply a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can damage the delicate roots.
Perfect for rock gardens and alpine gardens where its compact size and drought tolerance are valuable assets. Plant in crevices or between rocks for a natural look.
Excellent choice for container gardening, especially in hanging baskets or pots. Its compact size and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for small spaces.
Can be used as a ground cover in shady areas where other plants might struggle. Plant in groups for a more dramatic effect.
Button Fern can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light. It's perfect for terrariums or as a houseplant in humid environments.
Button Fern plays an important role in its native ecosystem. It helps stabilize soil in rocky areas and provides habitat for small invertebrates. The fern's ability to grow in harsh, dry conditions makes it valuable for revegetation projects in challenging environments.
In its natural habitat, Button Fern often grows alongside other native plants, contributing to the biodiversity of New Zealand's unique flora. Its presence indicates healthy, well-drained soils in natural areas.
Regular care and maintenance will keep Button Fern healthy and thriving. This includes proper watering, feeding, and monitoring for any issues. Button Fern requires minimal maintenance due to its drought-tolerant nature and compact growth habit.
Remove old or damaged fronds at the base as needed. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This fern requires minimal pruning due to its compact growth habit.
Button Fern can be propagated by division or spores. Division is the easiest method and should be done in spring or early autumn. Carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots and fronds. Plant divisions immediately in well-drained soil.
Spore propagation is more challenging but can be rewarding. Collect spores from mature fronds and sow them on a sterile, moist growing medium. Keep the container covered and in a warm, humid environment until spores germinate.
Button Fern has been part of New Zealand's natural landscape for thousands of years. While it doesn't have the same cultural significance as some other ferns, it is valued for its unique appearance and adaptability.
This fern's ability to thrive in challenging conditions has made it a symbol of resilience and adaptability in some contexts. It's often used in native plant gardens to demonstrate the diversity of New Zealand's fern flora.
Button Fern is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can occasionally be affected by scale insects or mealybugs. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
To prevent problems, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overwatering. Root rot can occur if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.
Grow Button Fern in well-drained soil with minimal watering for best results. Perfect for rock gardens and dry shade areas.
When growing Button Fern, consider its role in the broader ecosystem. Native plants like this one provide important habitat and food sources for local wildlife, including insects and other beneficial organisms.
Incorporating native plants into your garden design not only creates beautiful landscapes but also contributes to conservation efforts and helps maintain New Zealand's unique biodiversity for future generations.
Other native ferns such as crown fern, hen and chickens fern, and tree ferns create beautiful ferneries. They thrive in similar shady conditions.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the plant's classification, characteristics, and ecological role within New Zealand's unique flora. Understanding these aspects helps gardeners and conservationists make informed decisions about cultivation and preservation efforts.
Explore the scientific classification and characteristics of this native species.
Button Fern is found throughout New Zealand, from Northland to Stewart Island, growing in a variety of dry, rocky habitats. It commonly occurs on coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, dry forest floors, and exposed hillsides where other ferns struggle to survive. In the North Island, it's particularly abundant in coastal areas and lowland forests, while in the South Island it extends into montane areas up to 1000m elevation. The fern thrives in well-drained, nutrient-poor soils and is often found growing in crevices between rocks, on dry banks, and in open, sunny positions where its drought tolerance gives it a competitive advantage. It frequently grows in association with other drought-tolerant native plants such as Coprosma species and native grasses.
Discover other native plants that complement Button Fern in your garden. These plants share similar growing conditions and create beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
Button Fern is classified as "Not Threatened" in New Zealand, being widespread and locally common throughout the country. However, it faces threats from habitat destruction, particularly in coastal areas where development and invasive weeds can impact its rocky habitat. This fern plays a crucial role in soil stabilization on rocky outcrops and cliff faces, helping prevent erosion in dry, exposed environments. Its ability to colonize harsh, dry sites makes it valuable for ecological restoration projects, especially in areas where other plants struggle to establish. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitats, particularly in coastal and lowland forest areas where it forms important components of the understory vegetation.
Button Fern has specific growing requirements that must be met for optimal health. It prefers well-drained, rocky or sandy soil with good aeration. This fern thrives in partial to full shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun which can scorch its delicate fronds. It's highly drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Button Fern prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, making it suitable for most New Zealand climates except for very wet, boggy areas where it may rot.
Button Fern is highly valued in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. It can be used in various garden styles and landscape applications.
Button Fern has specific growing requirements that should be met for optimal health and growth. Understanding these needs will help ensure successful cultivation. The plant prefers well-drained soil, partial to full shade, and minimal watering once established.
Button Fern is easily identified by its distinctive round, leathery leaflets that resemble small buttons arranged in pairs along wiry, dark brown stems. Each frond grows 10-30cm long with 8-20 pairs of round leaflets, each 5-15mm in diameter. The leaflets are dark green, glossy, and slightly thickened with a leathery texture that helps retain moisture. The plant forms dense, spreading clumps with creeping rhizomes that allow it to colonize rocky areas effectively. New fronds emerge in spring with a reddish tinge before maturing to dark green. The fern produces spores on the undersides of fertile fronds, which are slightly longer and more erect than sterile fronds. This compact growth habit and drought-resistant foliage make it well-adapted to dry, exposed environments.
Plant Button Fern in spring or early autumn when soil temperatures are moderate. Choose a site with well-drained, rocky or sandy soil and partial to full shade. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and incorporate coarse sand or fine gravel to improve drainage if needed. Plant at the same depth as in the container, ensuring the crown is not buried. Space plants 20-30cm apart for ground cover use, or plant individually in containers. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch lightly with fine gravel or bark chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overwatering during establishment - Button Fern prefers to dry out between waterings.
Pellaea rotundifolia holds cultural significance as part of New Zealand's fern heritage. Ferns have been important in Māori culture for centuries, with many species having traditional uses and symbolic meanings.
In te reo Māori, ferns like Pellaea rotundifolia were often referred to by specific names reflecting their appearance and characteristics. The distinctive fronds would have been familiar to early Māori settlers and continue to be valued for their aesthetic and ecological contributions.
The plant's presence in native ecosystems connects it to traditional Māori environmental knowledge and stewardship practices, highlighting the deep connection between indigenous communities and New Zealand's unique flora.
