Doodia aspera
prickly rasp fern
Overview
Doodia aspera is an evergreen terrestrial fern in the Blechnaceae forming a clump of erect to spreading fronds 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) long and spreading 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide. The fronds are once-divided, narrow, and tapering, with stiff, harsh-textured segments that feel rough to the touch. Mature fronds are dark green, while new growth emerges pink to red before hardening. The frond undersides bear rows of elongated spore clusters in two lines along each segment. The fern spreads slowly by short rhizomes to form colonies. Growth is moderate in warm, moist conditions and slows in cold or dry periods. It grows in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates short dry spells once established. Frost burns the fronds in exposed sites. The rough fronds are abrasive to handle.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland to Tasmania, and to New Zealand and parts of the south-west Pacific. Grows in moist forest, gully margins, and rocky shaded slopes, often near streams and on banks.Suggested Uses
Planted as a groundcover and edging fern in shaded gardens, fern gardens, and along damp paths, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Used under trees, in courtyards, and in containers in shade. Suited to moist rockeries and stream-side plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
As a fern, the plant does not flower. It reproduces by spores borne in elongated clusters on the frond undersides, released mainly in the warmer months. New pink to red fronds appear through spring and summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green with pink-red new growthGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-5 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
Grows in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water to keep the soil from drying out, especially in the first season; established clumps tolerate short dry periods but fronds brown at the tips in prolonged drought. Frost burns exposed fronds in cold areas. Old or damaged fronds can be removed at the base to keep the clump tidy. The fern spreads slowly by rhizomes and rarely needs control. No significant pests affect it.Pruning
Cut away old, browned, or damaged fronds at the base in late winter before new growth emerges. Removing tired fronds keeps the clump compact and shows the coloured new growth. The fern resprouts from its rhizome after frost or cutting.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons