Boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, FL, LA, TX
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Sword fern is an evergreen fern with arching, finely divided fronds that form a dense clump. It grows in shaded, humid understory sites and reproduces by spores rather than flowers.
Wildlife value
As a non-flowering fern it offers no nectar or pollen, but the dense fronds provide shelter for small ground-dwelling wildlife and insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Boston fern need?
- Boston fern grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Boston fern bloom?
- Boston fern blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Boston fern native?
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is native to AZ, FL, LA, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Boston fern toxic to dogs?
- Boston fern is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Boston fern toxic to cats?
- Boston fern is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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