Inland Leatherfern
Acrostichum danaeifolium
Last reviewed: August 2026
Acrostichum danaeifolium is a large evergreen fern that grows in consistently wet, part sun to shaded sites such as swamp edges and marshy ground in Florida.
Toxicity unknown
Inland Leatherfern (Acrostichum danaeifolium) 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 sun
Water
high
Size
24"–96" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
FL
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Inland leatherfern is a large, dramatic native fern with glossy, leathery fronds that create bold tropical texture. This evergreen fern thrives in moist, partially shaded areas and can reach impressive sizes of up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It requires consistent moisture and protection from full sun to maintain its lush appearance.
Growing Inland Leatherfern
Grow Inland Leatherfern in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 96 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Inland Leatherfern takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large size appears wild and unmanicured
- Tropical appearance may seem out of place in formal landscapes
- Requires high water maintenance that may look excessive
Wildlife value
As a fern, this plant does not produce flowers or attract pollinators directly. However, it provides shelter and habitat for small wildlife and birds in naturalized garden areas.
Common questions
- Does Acrostichum danaeifolium flower?
- No. It is a fern and reproduces by spores rather than flowers, so it does not have a bloom season.
- How much water does inland leatherfern need?
- It does best in consistently moist to wet soil and is often found along swamp margins, ditches, and pond edges.
- What light conditions suit inland leatherfern best?
- It grows well in part sun to full shade. Fronds can scorch if the plant is placed in hot, direct full sun for long periods.
- How large does inland leatherfern get?
- It is one of the larger ferns grown in the continental United States, with mature fronds that can reach several feet in length under good conditions.
- Is Inland Leatherfern HOA-friendly?
- Inland Leatherfern takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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
Ready to grow Inland Leatherfern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz