Hawaiian Boston Swordfern: A Native Treasure Worth Knowing
Meet Nephrolepis exaltata hawaiiensis, commonly known as the Boston swordfern—though this particular variety has a special Hawaiian twist that sets it apart from its more familiar mainland cousins. If you’re passionate about native plants and live in Hawaii, this fern deserves a spot on your radar.
What Makes This Fern Special?
This perennial fern is truly native to Hawaii, making it a genuine indigenous treasure rather than just another tropical plant that happens to grow well in the islands. As a forb (a vascular plant without significant woody tissue), it lacks the thick, woody stems you’d find on trees or shrubs, instead maintaining its delicate, herbaceous nature throughout its life.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
The Hawaiian Boston swordfern calls Hawaii home and is found naturally growing throughout the Hawaiian islands. This native status makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to support local ecosystems and preserve Hawaii’s unique botanical heritage.
The Reality Check: What We Don’t Know
Here’s where things get a bit tricky—and honestly, pretty fascinating from a botanical detective perspective. While we know this fern exists and is native to Hawaii, many specifics about Nephrolepis exaltata hawaiiensis remain mysteriously undocumented in readily available horticultural sources. We don’t have clear information about:
- Its exact growing requirements
- Specific wildlife benefits it provides
- Its rarity status in the wild
- Detailed care instructions
- Its relationship to wetland environments
Should You Grow It?
If you’re in Hawaii and can source this native fern responsibly, it could be a wonderful addition to a native plant garden. Since it’s indigenous to the islands, growing it supports local biodiversity and helps preserve Hawaii’s unique plant heritage. However, the lack of detailed growing information means you might need to do some experimenting or consult with local native plant societies.
The fact that it’s related to the Boston fern family suggests it might appreciate similar conditions to other Nephrolepis species—think filtered light, consistent moisture, and protection from strong winds. But since this is educated guessing rather than documented fact, proceed with curiosity and patience.
The Bigger Picture
This Hawaiian Boston swordfern represents something important: there are still native plants out there that haven’t been fully studied or documented for home gardeners. By choosing to grow native species like this one, you’re not just gardening—you’re participating in conservation and helping to keep Hawaii’s botanical legacy alive.
If you’re interested in growing Nephrolepis exaltata hawaiiensis, your best bet is to connect with local native plant groups, botanical gardens, or extension services in Hawaii. They may have additional insights about this understudied but potentially valuable native fern.
