Sword Fern

Nephrolepis cordifolia is an upright, evergreen sword fern with dense, dark-green, finely divided fronds. The RHS lists a mature range of about 1.6–3.3 feet tall and wide, while the Florida Natural Areas Inventory gives USDA hardiness zones 8b–10b for the species’ typical variety. ## Garden Use In regions where it is suitable, sword fern adds evergreen texture to partial-shade containers, conservatories and greenhouse plantings. The fronds can grow large, and underground tubers and rhizomes help the plant spread. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/11507/nephrolepis-cordifolia/details) covers its size and cultivation; [FNAI’s species record](https://www.fnai.org/species-communities/invasives/invasive-species?ID=113) lists its hardiness and field characteristics. ## Growing Conditions Grow in partial shade in moist but well-drained loam or sand. Water moderately during active growth and more sparingly in winter. Avoid keeping the root zone saturated. ## Maintenance Remove dead fronds as needed. In Florida, UF/IFAS classifies this species as invasive statewide and advises against planting it; it spreads by spores and underground plant parts. Check local invasive-plant guidance before growing it. See the [UF/IFAS species profile](https://plant-directory.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/nephrolepis-cordifolia/) for regional context.