Blechnum wattsii

Hard Water-fern

Erect leathery perennial spreading along creeping, branched underground stems to form a dense extensive groundcover. Sterile and fertile fronds dissimilar. New growth tinged pink or bronze.

Additional information

• FamilyBlechnaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Size0.3-1 m x spreading
• Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
• LeavesBroad oblong dark green sterile fronds to 25 cm wide, once divided; scales under midveins. Shortly stalked broadly oblong leaflets, margins shortly toothed. Fertile fronds taller, segments long, narrow, coarse . Long pale stems, shiny dark brown scales.
• FlowersNon-flowering. Narrow, continuous spore cases covering either side of midvein. Segment margin curved back partly covering spores.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatYes
• Growing conditionsMoist to permanently wet humus-rich soils in sheltered mountain gullies and beside watercourses of moist to wet forests and rainforests. Dappled to full shade.
• Garden useLarge ferneries, beside shaded water areas and sheltered gullies, intolerant of drying out.
• Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
• Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
• Aboriginal Use In some areas - food - starchy rhizome eaten raw or roasted

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Plant Communities