Haresfoot Fern: The Charming Fuzzy-Footed Wonder for Your Garden
Meet the delightfully quirky haresfoot fern (Davallia heterophylla), a fascinating plant that’s sure to spark conversations in any garden or indoor plant collection. With its whimsical fuzzy rhizomes that look remarkably like tiny rabbit feet, this perennial fern brings both charm and tropical elegance wherever it grows.
What Makes the Haresfoot Fern Special?
Unlike your typical ground-hugging ferns, the haresfoot fern is an epiphytic species, meaning it naturally grows on other plants or surfaces rather than in soil. Its most distinctive feature is its creeping rhizomes covered in soft, brown scales that give it the haresfoot nickname. These fuzzy appendages aren’t just cute – they’re actually modified stems that help the plant anchor itself and store water and nutrients.
The fern produces delicate, finely divided fronds that create an airy, lace-like appearance. These bright green leaves typically reach 8-12 inches in length and have a distinctly tropical look that can transform any space into a mini jungle retreat.
Where Does It Come From?
The haresfoot fern is native to the Pacific Basin, specifically found growing wild in Guam and Palau. This tropical heritage means it thrives in warm, humid conditions and can’t tolerate frost. In its natural habitat, you’ll find it growing on tree trunks, rocks, and other surfaces where it can catch moisture from the air.
Benefits for Your Garden Space
While ferns don’t produce flowers to attract pollinators, the haresfoot fern offers several unique benefits for gardeners:
- Excellent air purification qualities when grown indoors
- Adds textural interest with its feathery foliage
- Creates a lush, tropical atmosphere in shade gardens
- Perfect for vertical gardening and living walls
- Low maintenance once established
- Provides shelter for small beneficial insects
How to Identify Haresfoot Fern
Spotting a haresfoot fern is pretty straightforward once you know what to look for:
- Fuzzy, brown, creeping rhizomes that extend beyond the pot or growing surface
- Delicate, triangular fronds with multiple divisions
- Bright green coloration on healthy specimens
- Epiphytic growth habit (growing on surfaces rather than in deep soil)
- Fronds typically 8-12 inches long
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re lucky enough to live in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, you might be able to grow haresfoot fern outdoors year-round. For everyone else, it makes an excellent houseplant or seasonal outdoor specimen.
Here’s what your haresfoot fern needs to thrive:
- Bright, indirect light (avoid direct sun which can scorch the delicate fronds)
- High humidity levels (50-60% or higher)
- Well-draining growing medium – they prefer to be mounted on bark or grown in very chunky, airy potting mix
- Regular misting or humidity trays
- Moderate watering – allow to dry slightly between waterings
- Temperatures between 60-75°F
Perfect Garden Roles
The haresfoot fern shines in several garden situations:
- Hanging baskets where the fuzzy rhizomes can cascade over the edges
- Mounted displays on tree bark or decorative wood
- Shade garden ground cover in frost-free areas
- Indoor plant collections, especially in bathrooms or kitchens with higher humidity
- Tropical or subtropical landscape designs
- Rock gardens with good drainage
A Word of Caution
While the haresfoot fern isn’t considered invasive, it’s worth noting that in its preferred tropical conditions, it can spread readily through its creeping rhizomes. If you’re growing it outdoors in zones 9-11, just keep an eye on its growth to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm smaller neighboring plants.
For gardeners in cooler climates looking for native alternatives, consider native ferns like Christmas fern, lady fern, or royal fern, depending on your region.
The Bottom Line
The haresfoot fern is a delightful addition to any plant lover’s collection, offering unique visual interest with minimal fuss. Whether you’re creating an indoor jungle or adding tropical flair to your outdoor shade garden, this charming fern with its fuzzy feet is sure to become a conversation starter. Just remember to keep it warm, humid, and out of direct sun, and you’ll be rewarded with years of lush, tropical beauty.
