Pelazoneuron kunthii
widespread maiden fern
Southeastern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean
Overview
Pelazoneuron kunthii is a deciduous fern reaching 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and spreading 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) wide by creeping rhizomes that form broad colonies. The fronds are lance-shaped in outline, soft-textured, and once-divided into many narrow, deeply lobed segments, pale to medium green and finely hairy on the stalks and undersides. New fronds unfurl through the growing season, and spore-bearing sori form in rows along the undersides of fertile segments. The plant arises from a network of branching rhizomes rather than a single crown, so a planting widens steadily outward. It grows along stream banks, seeps, limestone outcrops, ravines, and shaded woodland in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It needs consistent moisture and shade to partial sun; fronds scorch in dry or fully exposed sites, and top growth dies back after frost. The spreading habit can overtake small beds.
Native Range
Pelazoneuron kunthii is native to the southeastern United States, from Texas and the Gulf states to Florida, and south through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It grows along stream banks, seeps, shaded ravines, limestone outcrops, and moist woodland.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover and filler in shade gardens, along stream and pond margins, and in woodland borders. It suits moist, shaded sites where it can spread into a continuous stand. Spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart to fill in over a season or two.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Colors
Foliage Colors
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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
Grow in partial to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich soil. This fern tolerates a range of soils, including clay and limestone-influenced ground, as long as moisture is steady. Dry soil and full sun scorch the fronds and stunt growth. An annual mulch of leaf litter supports the spreading rhizomes. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-11 and dies back to the rhizome after frost, returning in spring. The rhizomes spread steadily and may need containment in small spaces.Pruning
Cut back old or frost-damaged fronds in late winter before new growth unfurls. Removing tattered fronds during the season keeps the planting neat. Lift and divide spreading rhizomes to control the colony or to propagate it.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons