Cyathea medullaris
black tree fern
An evergreen, upright tree fern eventually reaching heights of 7-16m. Its slender black trunk bears fronds to 5m long arching up from the crown and made up of small, oblong, glossy leaflets with scaly undersides and spines along the margins
Synonyms
Cyathea medullarisCyathea cumingii
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black | Green | ||
| Autumn | Black | Green | ||
| Winter | Black | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Cyatheaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand to S Pacific
How to grow
Cultivation
In areas prone to frost, grow in a container under glass with a minimum winter temperature of 10°C. The plant may be placed outside during the summer in a sheltered and partially-shaded spot. It requires a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil; in hot, dry summers water the stem as well as the soil, but avoid watering the crown in winter. Apply liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Will grow without winter protection only in milder areas. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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