Narrow Haresfoot Fern: A Delicate Pacific Island Beauty
Meet the narrow haresfoot fern (Davallia angustata), a charming tropical fern that brings a touch of Pacific island magic to your garden. This perennial beauty might not be the most well-known fern in the gardening world, but it’s certainly one worth getting to know – especially if you’re looking to add some delicate texture and exotic flair to your space.
What Makes This Fern Special?
The narrow haresfoot fern gets its quirky common name from its distinctive fuzzy rhizomes that creep along surfaces, resembling a rabbit’s foot. These furry, creeping stems are not just for show – they’re actually storage organs that help the plant survive in its native tropical environment. The fern produces delicate, lacy fronds that create an airy, almost ethereal appearance wherever it grows.
Where Does It Come From?
This tropical treasure is native to the Pacific Basin, specifically calling Guam and Palau home. As a true Pacific island native, it has adapted to the warm, humid conditions of these tropical paradises, which gives us some great clues about how to keep it happy in cultivation.
Is It Right for Your Garden?
The narrow haresfoot fern can be a wonderful addition to the right garden setting, but it’s definitely not a plant for everyone. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Climate requirements: This fern thrives in USDA zones 10-12, meaning it needs consistently warm temperatures year-round
- Perfect for tropical gardens: If you live in a tropical or subtropical climate, this fern can add beautiful texture to shaded garden areas
- Greenhouse and indoor growing: For those in cooler climates, it makes an excellent greenhouse specimen or houseplant
- Hanging basket star: Its trailing growth habit makes it perfect for hanging displays
Growing Conditions and Care
Like most tropical ferns, the narrow haresfoot fern has some specific preferences that you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal – avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate fronds
- Humidity: High humidity is essential for healthy growth
- Growing medium: Well-draining but consistently moist conditions work best
- Temperature: Warm temperatures year-round (typically above 60°F)
Garden Design Role
This fern shines in several garden applications. Its creeping rhizomes make it excellent for covering rocks or tree trunks in tropical gardens, while its delicate fronds add soft texture to contrast with bolder tropical foliage. In cooler climates, it’s perfect for adding tropical flair to conservatories, sunrooms, or as an indoor plant.
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
While ferns don’t produce flowers to attract pollinators, they do provide habitat and shelter for small creatures in their native environments. The dense fronds can offer hiding spots for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
The Bottom Line
The narrow haresfoot fern is a specialized plant that rewards gardeners who can provide the right tropical conditions. If you’re gardening in a warm, humid climate or looking for an interesting greenhouse or houseplant, this Pacific island native offers unique texture and form that’s hard to find elsewhere. Just remember – it’s all about creating that tropical paradise feeling, complete with the warm, humid conditions this island beauty calls home.
While it may not be the easiest fern to grow, the narrow haresfoot fern’s distinctive appearance and exotic origins make it a conversation starter that’s sure to intrigue fellow plant enthusiasts who visit your garden or home.
