Correction: We received this fern under the name Blechnum occidentale, and briefly sold it as such, but it is actually the dwarf species of Hammock Fern Blechnum appendiculatum!  See notes below.

Similar to and may be sold as but is distinct from: Blechnum appendiculatum; Formerly classified as: Blechnum occidentale var. minor

A unique Blechnum sporting dusty pink to orange new growth on pinnate fronds that narrow, elongated and lance shaped.  It prefers fairly moist shade as its tender fronds are easily burned by too much direct sun, and prefers warmer climes that are frost free.

There are several ferns in the genus Blechnum that are referred to as “Hammock Ferns”, and although they look similar and often get mixed up in the trade, have distinct differences.  Barbara Hoshizaki notes that most material sold commercially in the U.S. as B. appendiculatum has actually turned out to be B. occidentale.  We decided to grow two species side by side for direct comparison, and quickly realized that the grower we received them from also had them flip-flopped and mixed up!

Blechnum appendiculatum (Dwarf Hammock Ferns) qualifies as a dwarf fern, reaching a mature size of 8”, rather than the 2’ that is characteristic of Blechnum occidentale (Hammock Fern).  While they both have bright pink new growth that that fades through pastel orange and yellow colors as the fronds mature,  B. appendiculatum has much softer, less glossy foliage with much tighter spacing between the pinnae and is much smaller, while B. occidentale has a waxy sheen and much more open frond structure and reaches a much larger size.

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Size: 8”

Root Type: Slowly Creeping Rhizome forming central rosettes

Origin: Central and South America

Cultural Requirements: Part Sun to Shade, Moist

USDA Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11 or as a Houseplant