Wild Boston Fern

Very similar in appearance to several non-natives which are invasive pests, esp. N. cordifolia. If there are spherical tubers amongst the roots, it's N. cordifolia, the invasive tuberous swordfern.  In this vein, it appears that herbarium specimens from further north than indicated on our map have been reclassified as something other than N. exaltata.  We do not show those areas on our map.



Groundcover especially in shady moist areas. Spreads by rhizomes.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.



Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

This can be aggressive. Be careful to plant it where you can contain it.

Wet-dry sites. Swamps, hammocks, yards.

• Interesting foliage