Cibotium glaucum

Common Names

Hawaiian Tree Fern, Hapu'u Pulu, Blond Tree Fern, Blonde Tree Fern, Female Tree Fern, Hapu'u

Summary

Native to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiian tree fern is an evergreen understory plant of moist to wet forests at elevations around 1,500–5,000 ft. It typically grows with a stout trunk 6–10 ft tall and 8 in–2 ft in diameter, crowned by arching fronds up to 9 ft long; fronds are smooth with whitish undersides, and young fronds and stalks bear soft golden hairs.

Cultivation favors bright filtered light to partial shade and consistently moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with high humidity; zones 10–12, frost intolerance requiring warm conditions or a greenhouse. Propagation occurs by spores from mature fronds or by side shoots formed on the trunk; spore propagation tends to be faster, while side shoots are more frequent but slower. Uses include landscape focal point and habitat support in appropriate climates; historically harvested fiddleheads for food, and plant material has been used as orchid mounting medium.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-25 feet

Spread

6-12 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade (dappled shade to partial shade; 3–4 hours indirect light daily; avoid direct afternoon sun).

Soil Type

Humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil with high organic matter; pH 5.5–7.0.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5.5–7.0 (pH), slightly acidic soil.

Bloom Time

Non-flowering

Foliage Color

Medium green above; glaucous green below.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growth; side shoots slower, spores faster; 3-5 years to mature.

Seasons of Interest

Winter

Propagation Methods

Spores, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

No wildlife attracted