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Description
Phegopteris Decursivepinnata, also known as the Japanese beech fern or the long-eared beech fern, is a deciduous fern native to Asia and North America. It is a small fern that forms clumps and can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. It has dark green, triangular fronds that are finely dissected and delicate-looking.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Pteridophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Family: | Thelypteridaceae |
| Genus: | Phegopteris |
Appearance
The Japanese beech fern has a delicate appearance with finely dissected fronds that resemble ears. The fronds grow up to 2 feet long and 6 inches wide and are dark green in color. The spores are produced on the undersides of the fronds and are covered by a thin layer of tissue called the indusium. The fern produces new fronds each spring that emerge from the clump of existing fronds.
Care Guide
The Japanese beech fern prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much fertilizer. It is hardy in zones 5-8 and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F. Water the fern regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Japanese beech fern is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and slugs. To prevent scale insects, keep the plant healthy and remove any infested leaves. To prevent slugs, keep the area around the plant free of debris and use slug traps or bait.
Habitat
The Japanese beech fern is native to Asia and North America and can be found in moist, shady areas such as woodlands, rocky slopes, and stream banks. It prefers acidic soil and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Japanese beech fern be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it is kept in a well-lit, humid environment.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Japanese beech fern?
A: The fern does not require much fertilizer but can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Q: How do I propagate the Japanese beech fern?
A: The fern can be propagated by dividing the clumps in the spring or fall.
Q: Is the Japanese beech fern poisonous?
A: No, it is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Related Plants
- Phegopteris connectilis
- Phegopteris hexagonoptera
- Phegopteris decursive-pinnata var. palmata
References
- “Phegopteris decursive-pinnata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j660.
- “Japanese Beech Fern.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/japanese-beech-fern.
- “Phegopteris decursive-pinnata.” Plant Information Online, www.plantinfo.umn.edu/node/1415466.
