Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern) Sphaeropteris cooperi
Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern) (Sphaeropteris cooperi) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cyatheaceae family, native to Rainforest of Queensland and northern New South Wales. It grows 5–12 m (16–39 ft) tall and 4–6 m (13–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cyatheaceae |
| Mature height | 5–12 m (16–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Rainforest of Queensland and northern New South Wales |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇵🇹 Portugal |
| Invasive in | Hawaii, Madeira and the Azores: check local rules before planting |
Is Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: hairs on the frond bases
The brown scales and hairs on the frond stalks irritate the skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern)
- How far apart should I plant Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–6 m (13–20 ft).
- Does Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- Is Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The brown scales and hairs on the frond stalks irritate the skin.
- What grows well with Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantNET: the NSW Flora Online, National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens of Sydney
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- A fast tree fern with a slender trunk patterned with oval leaf scars and a wide crown of lacy, light-green fronds. Spores blow far, so it has escaped into native forest in Hawaii, where sale is restricted. Less cold-hardy than the soft tree fern (Dicksonia).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Silver tree fern (ponga) Alsophila dealbata
- Malesian tree fern Alsophila contaminans
- Spiny tree fern Alsophila spinulosa
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis