Phlebodium aureum aka Gold Foot Fern

Phlebodium aureum is an evergreen fern in the polypody family. Names include blue star fern, golden polypody, and rabbit's foot fern. Its native range spans the southeastern United States and Caribbean. It extends south into tropical South America. This perennial often grows on trees rather than in soil. It also grows among rocks and on forest floors. Gardeners grow it indoors and in shaded outdoor containers.

Size varies between the garden sources. RHS gives heights of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. NC State lists 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres]. Spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] at RHS. NC State gives a wider spread of 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres]. Creeping rhizomes let the plant spread and form cascading growth. Dense gold scales cover these stems, giving them a furry look. The lobed fronds have wavy edges and green to blue-green colouring. RHS describes fronds reaching 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. NC State records lengths up to 4.2 feet [1.27 metres]. The fern makes neither flowers nor fruit. Round sori hold spores along each side of the leaflet midrib.

Grow it in filtered light, away from harsh direct sun. It can also cope with deep shade. Use a loose mix rich in organic matter. Keep the mix moist, but let excess water drain away. Sources describe suitable pH as acid or neutral. Water well when the pot starts to dry. Medium to high humidity and moving air suit this fern. Keep it away from cold drafts and direct heat. RHS rates it H1B, with outdoor summer use in Britain. NC State lists USDA zones 8b–13b.

Hanging baskets show the rhizomes and allow air around the plant. Containers, woodland beds, and shade gardens provide other uses. Its foliage can serve as an accent, and deer tend to avoid it. Growth proceeds at a moderate rate. Divide plants to propagate them; routine pruning is not needed. RHS reports few pest or disease problems. NC State flags mites, thrips, fern caterpillars, and fungus gnats. Root and crown rot can also occur. Brown fronds may signal low humidity. Curling may reflect dry air or too little water.

No food uses are recorded in Useful Tropical Plants. That source reports no toxicity cases for this species. This does not establish that eating it is safe. It records traditional rhizome remedies for fever, coughs, and kidney complaints. These reports describe folk use, not proven treatment.