Davallia canariensis aka Deer Foot Fern

Davallia canariensis is a fern known as hare’s foot fern. Other names include deer’s foot fern and Canary Island hare’s foot fern. It comes from the western Mediterranean and nearby Atlantic islands. Its range includes southwestern Europe, northwestern Africa, and the Canary Islands. In the wild, it grows on tree bark and rocky surfaces. This makes it an epiphyte, rather than a plant rooted only in soil.

In gardens, it reaches about 1.5–1.6 feet [0.46–0.5 metres] tall. Spread ranges from about 2–3.3 feet [0.61–1 metre]. Broad, triangular fronds give the plant a soft, finely cut shape. Each frond divides into pinnae, which divide again into smaller pinnules. Fronds reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] long. Thick rhizomes creep across the surface as the plant spreads. Brown scales and fine hairs cover these stems. Their furry look accounts for the animal-foot common names. Sources differ on leaf retention. Missouri Botanical Garden calls it evergreen; RHS describes it as deciduous.

This fern does not flower. Spores offer one way to raise new plants. Grow it in bright, indirect light, away from direct sun. It needs high humidity and a moist mix that drains well. RHS lists loam and an acid to neutral pH. Both garden sources describe coarse mixes suited to its growing habit. These can include leaf mould, moss, bark, sharp sand, charcoal, and pine needles. Water it regularly while it grows. Reduce watering a little from autumn through late winter. Missouri Botanical Garden warns that temperatures below 50°F can trouble it. It cannot tolerate frost. That source lists USDA zones 10–11, while RHS gives H1C.

Hanging baskets and pots suit its spreading rhizomes and divided fronds. It can grow indoors as a houseplant or under glass. RHS also lists it for patio containers and subtropical planting. Allow five to ten years for it to reach full size. It needs no pruning. To make more plants, divide the rhizomes in spring. Each piece must have roots. Avoid frequent division when you want the rhizomes to spread.

RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Missouri Botanical Garden lists scale, aphids, mealybugs, and whitefly as pests to watch for. Botrytis and aerial blights can also occur. These risks make regular checks useful, even when plants look sound. The supplied sources give no evidence about edible parts or toxicity.