Sphaeropteris cooperi
scaly tree fern
Overview
Sphaeropteris cooperi is an evergreen tree fern in the Cyatheaceae forming a slender trunk 10-40 feet (3-12 m) tall, topped with a spreading crown of large fronds. The trunk is marked with oval scars where old fronds have dropped and is clothed near the crown with pale brown scales. The fronds are bright to mid-green, finely divided, and 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) long, arching outward from the growing point. New fronds unfurl from coiled croziers covered in soft scales. Spore clusters sit in rows on the frond undersides. Growth is fast for a tree fern, with the trunk extending up to about 12 inches (30 cm) per year in good conditions. It grows in moist, sheltered, frost-free positions and is damaged by full sun, drying wind, and frost. The single growing point at the crown is the only source of new fronds. It self-sows from spores and is an environmental weed in some regions outside its range.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in the rainforests of Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. Grows in moist gullies, along streams, and in clearings and disturbed rainforest, from the lowlands to the ranges.Suggested Uses
Planted as a feature fern in shaded, moist, frost-free gardens, courtyards, fern houses, and beside water, spaced 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) apart. Grown in large containers in sheltered positions while young. Self-sowing from spores limits its use near bushland, where it is an environmental weed in some regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 40'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
As a fern, the plant does not flower. It reproduces by spores carried in rows of clusters on the frond undersides, shed mainly in the warmer months. New fronds unfurl from scaly croziers through spring and summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright to mid-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
Grows in part shade to filtered light in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and needs shelter from hot sun and drying wind. The trunk and root zone need consistent moisture, and watering the crown and trunk in dry weather helps, as the fern draws moisture along the trunk. Fronds brown and the crown stresses in drought, full sun, and low humidity. Frost burns the fronds and can kill the growing point. Old fronds can be removed once fully brown. Damage to the single crown stops new frond production.Pruning
Old fronds can be cut off at the trunk once they have fully browned, leaving the green crown intact. The single growing point at the crown must remain undamaged, as cutting it stops all new growth. Removing lower dead fronds exposes the patterned trunk.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons