No images found for this plant ID: 4466.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4466" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
lacefern
Scientific Name: Aspidotis
Family: Pteridaceae
Category: Fern
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Lace Fern: A Delicate Name for Diverse Plants
The common name "Lace Fern" encompasses several different plant species, each with its unique characteristics.
Common Names
- Lace Fern
- Common Asparagus Fern
- Climbing Asparagus
- Ferny Asparagus
- Brides Bouquet Fern
- Asparagus Fern
- Emerald Feather
- Emerald Fern
- Sprengeri Fern
- Plumosa Fern
- Racemose Asparagus
- Lace Lipfern
- Lace Lip Fern
Scientific Names and Taxonomy
- Several species share the common name "Lace Fern," including:
- Asparagus setaceus (also known as Protasparagus setaceus)
- Leptolepia novae-zealandiae
- Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Lace Fern)
- Microlepia strigosa
- Cheilanthes gracillima
- Aspidotis densa
- Aspidotis californica
- Ctenitis squamigera (Pacific Lacefern)
- Pteris ensiformis (Silver Lace Fern)
- Asparagus setaceus belongs to the family Asparagaceae.
- Synonym for Cheilanthes gracillima: Myriopteris
Considerations for Pets
- Some ferns referred to as "Lace Fern" are noted as potentially poisonous to cats and dogs.
- One account describes a Lace Fern being eaten by a BN catfish.
Distribution and Habitat
- Asparagus setaceus is native to Southern Africa.
- Leptolepia novae-zealandiae was collected and described from New Zealand in 1841.
- Aspidotis californica is native to California and Baja California.
Morphological Characteristics
- Microlepia strigosa forms dense clumps 2-3 feet tall and expands slowly by rhizomes.
- Some Lace Ferns have finely dissected bipinnate fronds.
- One variety, Macfadden's Lace Fern (Microlepia strigosa 'Macfaddeniae'), has fine pinnae lining the fronds.
- Asparagus setaceus is a climbing plant.
- Cheilanthes gracillima is a small, tufted fern with dark-brown stalks and fronds about 4 inches (10.2 cm) long.
- Some varieties are evergreen in mild areas (zone 9) and deciduous elsewhere, hardy to zone 7 (-17C).
- S. chinensis has 3-pinnate fronds and tiny wedge shaped pinnules.
Ecological Role
- The Pacific Lacefern (Ctenitis squamigera) is listed as endangered.
Additional Information
- The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) provides information on Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Lace Fern).
- Dave's Garden is a community where people share tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Monrovia offers details and information on their Lace Fern plants.
- The University of California, Postharvest Technology Center focuses on the postharvest handling of horticultural crops.