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Japanese climbing fern

Scientific Name: Lygodium japonicum

Family: Lygodiaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum)

Lygodium japonicum, commonly known as Japanese climbing fern, is a perennial fern recognized for its unique climbing habit.

Considerations for Pets

  • Japanese climbing fern fronds can reach lengths of 3.3 to 100 feet (1-30.5 m), while Old World climbing fern fronds grow to 90 feet (27 m) long.
  • The stem is thin and wiry.
  • The leaves are lacy and finely divided.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Lygodium japonicum (Thunb. ex Murr.) Sw.
  • Common Name: Japanese climbing fern
  • Family: Lygodiaceae (Climbing Fern Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Ophioglossum japonicum Thunb. ex Murray (sometimes placed in Schizeaceae, ray fern family)
  • Symbol: LYJA (USDA PLANTS Database)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to eastern Asia, including Japan and Korea, and tropical Australia.
  • In the Southeastern U.S., it's found from the Carolinas south to Florida, along the Gulf Coast to Texas and Arkansas.
  • Isolated populations exist in other areas.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an invasive species, particularly in the southeastern United States.
  • It grows on, around, and intermingles with other vegetation.
  • It can be confused with Lygodium microphyllum (Old World climbing fern), another invasive non-native species.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial climbing fern/vine.
  • Can climb to 90 feet (30 m) in length.
  • The stem is thin, wiry, and can be green, orange, or black.
  • Leaves are lacy and finely divided.
  • It uses its flexible stems to twine around supports.
  • All species of the genus have an elongated climbing rachis (leaf stem).
  • The vines usually die back in winter.

Quirky Facts

  • Japanese climbing fern is a unique member of the fern family because it climbs, behaving more like a vine.
  • An unusual characteristic of the plant determines sex biologically between the parents in many animals.

Further Information

  • Early Detection &amp Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) - Japanese Climbing Fern, University of Georgia, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
  • University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
  • USDA.
  • USDA PLANTS Database.
  • Invasive Plant Atlas.
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).
  • Dave's Garden.
  • Wikimedia Commons.