How much sun does Swamp fern need?

Swamp fern grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Swamp fern bloom?

Swamp fern blooms in June and July.

Where is Swamp fern native?

Swamp fern (Telmatoblechnum serrulatum) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Swamp fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Telmatoblechnum serrulatum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Swamp fern (Telmatoblechnum serrulatum) is a perennial fern native to FL. It blooms in June and July.

Toxicity unknown

Swamp fern (Telmatoblechnum serrulatum) 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

high

Size

18"–36" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

A spreading evergreen fern with stiff, leathery, toothed fronds that form dense colonies via creeping rhizomes. It grows in wet hammocks and swamp edges, tolerating standing water.

Growing Swamp fern

Grow Swamp fern in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its dense fronds offer cover for amphibians and small wetland wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Swamp fern need?: Swamp fern grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Swamp fern bloom?: Swamp fern blooms in June and July.
Where is Swamp fern native?: Swamp fern (Telmatoblechnum serrulatum) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

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