Fronds are lacy and delicate in appearance. Ground cover. This is a clump-forming fern (all fronds arise from a central point) making it a good focal point in a shade garden. Can also be used as a border plant.

Blooms open late in the day and remain open through the night. Fragrant. Can be agrown as an anuual north of its native range.  Considered to be invasive in subtropical and tropical areas outside of its natural range. Recommended only for use where it can be controlled such as on a trellis or in areas where expansive growth is appropriate. Rain gardens or bioswales.

Lacy specimen plant in wet settings. Useful in fern gardens or beside a shady water feature. Useful around drainage ponds.

Specimen tree, can also be containerized, hedge plant, patio plant, or median plant.

Naturalistic woodland landscapes.

It's paint-chip white and brown-green bark provides winter interest. The natural range is from  north Florida into southern Canada.  This species has been planted well south of its range and is occasionally collected from places (such as the median of I-75, near old homesites,  and near mine reclaimation areas) where it likely got there due to man's activities.  It has also been widely planted in mined areas. Frequently used as a yard tree or as a shade tree in parks. Best used where its large size won't overwhelm the surroundings.

Sensitize to cold weather. Small specimen plant, foundation planting, general cover plant in shaded areas.

Specimen tree. Use only where roots will be undisturbed.