Family:

Blechnaceae

Blechnum penna-marina

Alpine Water Fern

Other Names:

Regional Subspecies:

Blechnum penna-marina subsp. alpina

Occurrence:

Regional:

Predominantly east of the Hume Highway.

Habitat & Site Selection:

Cooler high altitude regions, commonly in sphagnum bogs.

Habit:

Ground fern with rhizomes. Slightly leathery fronds, usually 8-25 cm long. Often forms low mats or small colonies. Grows over summer, after winter dormancy, with new erect bronze-pink fronds conspicuous after winter.

Propagation:

By division of rhizomes or from spore.

VALUES:

Ornamental:

Hardy and useful in cultivation. Forms low dense groundcover. Allow space to spread, and water well.