About
Davallia mariesii, the squirrel's foot fern, is a deciduous fern with creeping rhizomes covered with attractive, brown, fur-like scales. Triangular to broadly oval, finely dissected fronds reach 25 cm. A charming fern for a shaded, sheltered position or as a houseplant.
About the genus
Davallia are evergreen or deciduous ferns with creeping, conspicuously scaly rhizomes and finely divided, ovate or triangular fronds. Known as hare's foot or squirrel's foot ferns from their fur-like rhizomes, they are popular as houseplants and conservatory plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toEast Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, open leafy soil in partial shade; hardy to -7°C (19°F) if protected in winter. Under glass grow in equal parts coarse leaf mould or peat substitute and moss, bark, sharp sand, charcoal and pine needles. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors for further advice
PruningNo pruning required but tidy any winter damaged fronds in early spring
PropagationDivide rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has roots
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free