SafePlants

Anemia hirsuta & Anemia tomentosa - Hairy Flowering Fern

The plant described in the provided texts is commonly known as the Hairy Flowering Fern. Two scientific names are prominently featured: Anemia hirsuta and Anemia tomentosa.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Anemiaceae
• Group: Fern
• Rank: Species
• Synonym: Anemia hirta (L.) Sw.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "coarse ferns" and other plants "potentially harmful," although it doesn't explicitly link this to Anemia species.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions "coarse ferns" and other plants "potentially harmful," although it doesn't explicitly link this to Anemia species.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Hairy Flowering Fern is native to Puerto Rico (PR).
• One text indicates that a specific variety is native to Argentina.
• It's noted as being from the rocky plains of Argentina.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It's a perennial forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that lives for more than two years.
• Height can reach 20-25cm (approximately 8-10 inches).
• It is described as a rarely-offered unusual evergreen.
• The fronds are hairy.
• It forms a small clump, approximately 8 inches tall and wide.
• The plant has two types of fronds: sterile and fertile. The fertile fronds produce.
• Appearance: Hairy flowering stems are upright and 15-60cm tall .

Cultivation

• Hardy in USDA zones 8-10, requiring protection in harsh winters.
• Prefers a well-drained compost.
• Dislikes winter wet conditions.
• Needs a bright position with plenty of sun.
• Requires a long, cool root run.
• Prefers a loose, gritty rock garden type situation, in partial or full sun.

Quirky Facts

• Ferns do the strangest things, and anemias are near the top of the strange fern list.

Further Information

• Plant Delights Nursery, Inc. is credited with a photo of Anemia tomentosa 'Tucuman'.
• Discover Life has pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Anemia hirsuta.