How much sun does American Climbing Fern need?

American Climbing Fern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is American Climbing Fern native?

American Climbing Fern (Lygodium palmatum) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is American Climbing Fern HOA-friendly?

American Climbing Fern takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Climbing Fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lygodium palmatum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Climbing Fern (Lygodium palmatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–72" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 19 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

American climbing fern is a unique native fern that produces both sterile fronds and climbing fertile fronds that can twine up supports. This deciduous fern prefers partial shade and moist conditions, forming colonies over time through underground rhizomes.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Climbing Fern takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Climbing growth habit looks uncontrolled
Can appear messy without proper support structure
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare climbing stems

Wildlife value

As a fern, it does not produce flowers or directly support pollinators, but provides habitat structure and shelter for small wildlife and insects.

Common questions

How much sun does American Climbing Fern need?: American Climbing Fern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is American Climbing Fern native?: American Climbing Fern (Lygodium palmatum) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is American Climbing Fern HOA-friendly?: American Climbing Fern takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Climbing Fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz