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Vol. 2001, Historical Fact Sheets

Vol. 2001

Natural Area Weeds: Distinguishing Native and Non-Native "Boston Ferns" and "Sword Ferns" : SSAGR22/AG120, 8/2001

Historical Fact Sheets

https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ag120-2001

Published 2001-08-08

K.A. Langeland⁺⁻

K.A. Langeland

University of Florida

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2017-12-12 (2)
2001-08-08 (1)

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Keywords

ferns
weeds

How to Cite

Langeland, K.A. 2001. “Natural Area Weeds: Distinguishing Native and Non-Native "Boston Ferns" and ‘Sword Ferns’ : SSAGR22 AG120, 8 2001”. EDIS 2001 (August). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ag120-2001.

Abstract

The proliferation of non-native Nephrolepis fern species in Florida's natural areas poses a significant challenge for distinguishing them from native sword ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) and giant sword ferns (Nephrolepis biserrata). This fact sheet examines the invasive tuberous sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) and Asian sword fern (Nephrolepis brownii), which resemble native species but disrupt local ecosystems. The document provides identification tools including morphological contrasts, a dichotomous key, and detailed images. Key characteristics such as tuber presence, scale coloration, pinnae arrangement, and indusia shape aid in species differentiation. Control measures including herbicide use and disposal guidelines are also outlined to manage these invasive ferns effectively.

https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ag120-2001

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PDF-2001

References

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FNA Editorial Staff. 1993. Flora of North America North of Mexico, Volume 2, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Foster, F. G. 1984. Ferns to Know and Grow. Portland, OR: Timber Press.

Haehle, R. G., and J. Brookwell. 1999. Native Florida Plants. Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing Co.

Langeland, K.A., and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. SP257. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Nauman, C. E. 1981. "The genus Nephrolepis in Florida." American Fern J. 2: 35-40.

https://doi.org/10.2307/1546703

Small, J. K. 1918a. Ferns of Royal Palm Hammock. New York, NY: Published by the author.

Small, J. K. 1918b. Ferns of Tropical Florida. New York, NY: Published by the author.

Simpson, C. T. 1920. In Lower Florida Wilds. New York, NY: G. P. Putnams Sons Knickerbocker Press.

Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2000. Flora of Florida, Volume 1, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida.

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