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Australian Tree Fern Sphaeropteris cooperi

Previously known as:

  • Cyathea cooperi
Phonetic Spelling
sfay-ROP-teris koo-PER-ee
Description

Native to Australia, this tree fern can reach heights upwards of 50 feet, with individual fronds reaching 10-20 feet in length. The form resembles a martini glass with gracefully arching fronds emerging from a skinny trunk.  Commonly grown as a houseplant or as a tropical container specimen. Keep the trunk moist to maintain a healthy plant. Weedy tendencies.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#lacy leaves#interiorscape#fronds#fern#fast growing#deer resistant#tropical feel#container plant#weed#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#lacy leaves#interiorscape#fronds#fern#fast growing#deer resistant#tropical feel#container plant#weed#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Sphaeropteris
    Species:
    cooperi
    Family:
    Cyatheaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Australia
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Heavy shade, Deer
    Dimensions:
    Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Fern
    Houseplant
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruits. This plants reproduces via spores.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Large fronds that have a lacy appearance. The fiddle heads have stiff white hairs.
  • Bark:
    Bark Description:
    Trunk is skinny has triangular-shaped scars from old fronds
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Pool/Hardscape
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Children's Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Heavy Shade
    Problems:
    Weedy