Climbing Fern (Lygodium): A Delicate Scrambler for Your Shade Garden
If you’ve ever spotted delicate, lacy fronds gracefully climbing up trees or sprawling across the forest floor, you might have encountered a climbing fern from the Lygodium genus. These unique ferns bring an almost magical quality to shaded spaces, but before you rush to add one to your garden, there are some important things every gardener should know.
What Makes Climbing Ferns Special?
Unlike most ferns that grow in neat clumps, climbing ferns are the adventurers of the fern world. They’re perennial plants that produce long, winding fronds that can scramble over other plants, climb trees, or cascade down slopes. Think of them as nature’s living curtains – they create beautiful, textured screens of green that dance gently in the breeze.
As forb herbs, these ferns lack woody tissue but can persist for years, sending up new fronds each growing season. Their delicate appearance might fool you into thinking they’re fragile, but many species are surprisingly robust once established.
Where Do They Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit concerning. While Lygodium species are found across many states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and up the Eastern seaboard to places like Massachusetts and Vermont, they’re actually non-native in most of these locations. These ferns have been introduced and now reproduce spontaneously in the wild, meaning they can spread without human help.
You’ll find them naturally established in places as diverse as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and throughout much of the Eastern United States, but their native range is actually in the Pacific Basin, excluding Hawaii.
Should You Grow Climbing Fern?
This is where we need to have an honest conversation. While climbing ferns can be undeniably beautiful in the right setting, their ability to reproduce and spread spontaneously raises some red flags for responsible gardeners. Here are the key considerations:
The Potential Benefits:
- Creates lovely vertical interest in shade gardens
- Provides delicate, lacy texture that contrasts beautifully with broader-leaved plants
- Can serve as living screens or natural privacy barriers
- Thrives in challenging shady spots where other plants might struggle
The Concerns:
- Non-native status means it doesn’t support local ecosystems as well as native plants
- Can spread beyond intended garden boundaries
- May compete with native vegetation in natural areas
- Limited benefits for pollinators and wildlife compared to native alternatives
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do choose to grow climbing fern, here’s what they typically need to thrive:
- Light: Partial to full shade – direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
- Water: Consistent moisture is key – they don’t like to dry out completely
- Climate: Most species prefer warm climates, typically hardy in USDA zones 8-11
- Support: May need trellises, trees, or other structures to climb
Better Native Alternatives
Before planting climbing fern, consider these native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems:
- American groundnut (Apios americana): A native climbing vine with fragrant flowers
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense): Creates lush groundcover in shade
- Native grape species: Provide climbing habit plus wildlife benefits
- Local native fern species: Offer beautiful foliage without invasive concerns
The Bottom Line
While climbing ferns can create stunning effects in shade gardens, their non-native status and ability to spread spontaneously make them a questionable choice for environmentally conscious gardeners. If you’re drawn to their delicate beauty and climbing habit, consider exploring native alternatives first – you might discover something even more beautiful that also supports your local ecosystem.
If you do choose to grow Lygodium, monitor it carefully to ensure it doesn’t spread beyond your intended planting area, and always check with local extension services about any restrictions in your area. Remember, the most beautiful gardens are those that work in harmony with their local environment!
