Sword fern is not well named. It isn’t sharp or sword like. The fronds look similar to fishbone fern but are much larger. Walking through a patch isn’t pleasant as it’s hard to see the ground and it can grow to chest height (1.75m). Sword fern isn’t a major problem in the Noosa Shire but where it has taken hold it out competes other plants.
Common name: Sword fern
Scientific name: Nephrolepis obliterata
Native to: NE Queensland, NT, Northern WA and New Guinea.
Family: Davalliaceae
Habit: Fern
Dispersal method: Spores
Control measures: Very easy to pull out and doesn’t easily reshoot.
Native species to use in place of Sword fern: Bracken fern, Saw sedge (Gahnia sp. – caution these are sharp)
More information can be found in “Weeds of the Sunshine Coast” page 93 First edition.
