Tasmanian Tree Fern | Elegant Arching Green Fronds

Tasmanian Tree Fern

5 Gallon

$69.00

$69.00 $0.00

1/5

Tasmanian Tree Fern

Dicksonia antarctica

A dramatic, prehistoric tree fern with a soft, hairy trunk and a lush canopy of arching, deep green fronds.

$69.00

$69.00 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Tasmanian Tree Fern is a magnificent, prehistoric-looking plant that brings a dramatic, tropical elegance to temperate and subtropical gardens. Native to Australia, including Tasmania, this slow-growing evergreen tree fern is prized for its thick, fibrous, reddish-brown trunk (caudex) and its canopy of large, arching, deep green, lacy fronds . The trunk is soft and covered with a dense mat of reddish-brown hairs, and it is not a true wood but a mass of aerial roots, which allows the plant to absorb moisture from the air. A true showstopper, it is an outstanding choice for creating a lush, Jurassic-era focal point in shaded, sheltered gardens, patios, and containers.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage: Large, arching, triangular, leathery, deep green, tripinnate fronds (3-6 ft long); forms a graceful, spreading canopy.
Trunk: Thick, fibrous, soft, reddish-brown, hairy trunk (caudex); can reach 12-15 ft in height over many years; composed of aerial roots, not true wood.
Mature Height: 12-15 ft (over many decades; 6-10 ft in containers)
Mature Spread: 8-12 ft (frond spread)
Growth Rate: Slow (1-2 inches of trunk growth per year)
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11 ; Sunset 8, 9, 14-17, 19-24, H1 (hardy to approx. 20°F/-7°C with protection)
Light Requirement: Partial shade to full shade (dappled or morning sun is best)
Core Benefits: Dramatic, prehistoric tree fern form, hardy for a tree fern, lush tropical foliage, soft textured trunk, excellent focal point.
Best Uses: Specimen plant, focal point, shaded borders, tropical-themed gardens, woodland gardens, courtyard gardens, sheltered patios, large containers, poolside plantings.

Q: How cold hardy is the Tasmanian Tree Fern?
A: It is considered one of the hardiest tree ferns, tolerating brief temperature drops to 20°F (-7°C)when mature and well-protected (e.g., with a thick mulch over the crown). However, it is best grown in USDA zones 9-11 . Prolonged freezing or temperatures below 20°F will severely damage or kill it. It should be planted in a sheltered location.

Q: How do I water a Tasmanian Tree Fern?
A: This plant has high water needs and must never be allowed to dry out completely. Water both the soil (keep it consistently moist) and the trunk (spray it with a hose). The trunk is composed of aerial roots that absorb moisture and is a key part of the plant's water uptake. In dry or windy weather, water the trunk daily.

Q: How large does it get, and how fast does it grow?
A: It is a slow grower. The trunk height increases by only about 1-2 inches per year . Over many decades, it can reach a height of 12-15 feet in ideal conditions . The frond spread, however, can reach its mature size of 8-12 feet much more quickly (within 5-10 years). In containers, growth is slower, and the plant will remain smaller.

Q: Can I cut the top off my tree fern to move it or to stop it from growing taller?
A: No, you should never cut the trunk of a Dicksonia antarctica. The growing point (the crown) is at the very top of the trunk. If you cut the trunk, you will kill the plant. The trunk cannot resprout from below the cut.

Q: How do I protect it in winter in a marginal climate (e.g., zone 8)?
A: To protect it from frost, you need to protect the crown (the center of the fronds at the top of the trunk). In late fall, gather the fronds loosely upwards and fill the crown with a dry, insulating material like straw or leaves . Then cover the entire top of the plant with a frost cloth. Also, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the trunk. Do not use plastic.

Q: Can it be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a large container for a number of years. Use a very large, heavy pot (to prevent tipping) with excellent drainage and a well-draining, acidic, organically rich potting mix. Container plants will need more frequent watering and must be protected from freezing temperatures in winter . The trunk height will be more restricted in a container.