Dicksonia antarctica aka Australian Tree Fern

Dicksonia antarctica is known as the soft tree fern. It belongs to the fern family Dicksoniaceae. Its native range lies in eastern Australia, including Tasmania. It grows in cool, damp forests and sheltered gullies. Shaded creek banks and woodland slopes also suit it. The plant stays evergreen where winters are mild. In colder places, it may lose its fronds.

Garden plants reach about 8–18 feet (2.5–5.49 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres). Wild plants can reach 20–30 feet (6–9 metres). Growth is slow, with maturity taking 20–50 years. The stout stem ranges from reddish brown to nearly black. Its core is an upright rhizome wrapped in fibrous roots. Long fronds arch out from the top of this stem. They can reach 10 feet (3 metres) in length. The dark green fronds are glossy, rough, and deeply divided. Their tripinnate form gives the crown a broad, leafy outline. This fern does not flower. It forms spores beneath its fronds, rather than fruit.

Grow it in partial or full shade with wind shelter. Dappled shade suits it, as does bright, filtered light indoors. Soil should hold moisture but still drain well. Rich soil with humus supports growth. Sandy or loamy soils suit it, with acid or neutral pH. Keep the soil moist and water the stem during hot, dry spells. Avoid watering the crown in winter. It tolerates light frost and suits USDA zones 9–10. The RHS rates it H3 for mild UK sites. Colder places need winter protection.

Its tall stem and broad crown give gardens a strong shape. It suits woodland gardens, shaded borders, and sheltered park sites. Young plants can grow in pots on patios. Greenhouses and conservatories offer another place to grow it. The foliage adds winter interest where it stays green. Growers raise new plants from ripe spores. Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed. Sources report few serious pest or disease problems outdoors. The plant also tolerates heavy shade and resists rabbits. In New Zealand, people use it to help hold roadside soil.

PFAF records cooked young leaves and stem pith as foods. Taking the pith near the growing tip kills the plant. The pith contains starch and tannin, and may taste bitter. PFAF also records an astringent medicinal use. It reports no toxicity cases for this species. That does not establish that eating it is safe.