Schizaea bifida
forked comb fern
Overview
Schizaea bifida is an evergreen terrestrial fern with narrow, grass-like fronds that bear little resemblance to typical ferns. Each frond is a slender, wiry stalk 6-16 inches (15-40 cm) tall, sometimes forked once or twice toward the tip, ending in a comb-like cluster of short fertile segments that carry the spore cases. The sterile part of the frond is flattened and rush-like, dark green, and 0.04-0.08 inch (1-2 mm) wide. Fronds rise singly or in small tufts from a short, hairy rhizome. The plant reproduces by spores released from the comb-like fertile tips; it has no flowers. It grows in open, well-drained, often sandy or peaty soils in heath and woodland, frequently among low groundcover and mosses. Growth is slow, and plants form only small tufts. The narrow fronds are easily hidden among grasses and sedges. The plant depends on a seasonal moisture cycle and undisturbed ground, and it does not transplant or cultivate readily.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, and to New Zealand. Grows in heath, open forest, and woodland on well-drained sandy and peaty soils, often in seasonally moist, low-nutrient ground.Suggested Uses
Grown mainly in specialised fern and native-plant collections and retained in undisturbed heath and woodland rather than general garden beds. Suited to open, well-drained sites in conservation and revegetation plantings. Not suited to rich soils, dense plantings, or containers because of its ground and moisture requirements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'4"
Width/Spread2" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
As a fern, Schizaea bifida does not flower. Spores ripen in the comb-like fertile tips mainly through the warmer months. Spore production depends on adequate seasonal moisture and varies from year to year.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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