Native to South America, this is a crested form of the Little Hard Fern!  This creeping groundcover makes an impressive carpet of crested fronds up to 6" in height that sport orange to mahogany red new growth throughout the summer season.  Since it is dimorphic (makes two types of fronds), in the mid-to-late summer it may put up a very upright set of sporing fronds, which stand slightly taller and have narrower pinna than the vegetative foliage, giving it an added layer of structure. This fern prefers moist areas and good light exposure, which helps to develop bright colors on emerging fronds. This is one of the few ferns that will actually tolerate almost full sun if it has an ample supply of water, and it thrives in bogs or near ponds.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen; colonizing
Mature Height:  4-6"
Origin:  South America (Chile)
Cultural Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist, up to Full sun in Bog conditions
USDA Zones:  7, 8, 9