Tree Fern
Cyathea, Genus, cooperi, Species,
- Genus & species
Lacy tree fern
Eastern Australia (southeastern Queensland and coastal New South Wales)
Overview
Cyathea cooperi (synonym Sphaeropteris cooperi) is an evergreen tree fern with a single, unbranched, fibrous trunk topped by a crown of arching fronds. In cultivation the trunk reaches 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) in height and 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) in diameter, and wild specimens can exceed 33 feet (10 m). Fronds are bipinnate to tripinnate, 6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 m) long, bright green above and paler beneath, borne on stalks covered in pale brown to silvery-white scales. The trunk carries a spiral pattern of scars where old fronds have detached. The crown spreads 8–15 feet (2.4–4.6 m). Trunk extension averages 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) per year in warm, humid conditions. Plants reproduce by spores released from small round sori on the frond undersides, and no flowers are produced. Foliage tolerates brief cold to about 25°F (−4°C) but scorches at lower temperatures and in drying wind. C. cooperi has naturalized in Hawaii and New Zealand, where it establishes in forest margins and gullies.
Native Range
Cyathea cooperi is native to eastern Australia, from southeastern Queensland through coastal New South Wales, where it grows in rainforest margins and wet sclerophyll forest. It has naturalized in Hawaii, New Zealand, and parts of the southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Cyathea cooperi is grown as a specimen in shaded courtyards, woodland gardens, and under high tree canopy in frost-free and mild-winter climates. It is also grown in large containers in conservatories. Spacing of 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) from neighboring plants accommodates the crown spread.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Bloom Information
Cyathea cooperi is a spore-bearing fern and does not flower. Sori develop on the undersides of mature fronds, and spores are released throughout the warm months. New fronds unfurl from the crown as coiled croziers, mostly in spring and summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright green above, paler green belowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Cyathea cooperi grows in part shade with 2–4 hours of direct sun, in humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Water is applied at the crown and trunk during dry periods, since the trunk absorbs moisture and the fronds wilt within days of drying. Hardiness is USDA zones 9–11, with fronds damaged below about 25°F (−4°C) and trunk survival to somewhat lower temperatures. Wind exposure and low humidity cause frond tip browning. A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) mulch layer of leaf mold or bark over the root zone reduces moisture loss. Growth is limited in containers, and plants kept in pots remain smaller than those planted in the ground.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing fronds once they turn fully brown, cut close to the trunk. Green fronds are left in place because the crown supplies the growing tip with moisture. The growing point sits at the top of the trunk, and damage to it kills the plant since tree ferns do not branch.Pruning Schedule
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
