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Japanese Climbing Fern

Lygodium japonicum

Found in disturbed areas. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Florida edition What its natural habitat tells you

-55
Severe harm

Not native to Florida. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 76%

Height
15–90 feet
Spread
15–30 feet
Light
Dappled sunlight, Deep shade, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Dry to wet
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Florida.

Plant this instead

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  • Crossvine
    Bignonia capreolata

    Sun: Dappled sunlight, Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow, orange or red.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

    Different: spread

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At a glance

Life cycle
Perennial
Leaves
Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen
Bloom
June to December

Recorded in 63 Florida counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Also found with this plant

Wildlife whose habitat models include habitats this plant grows in, in Florida. Shared habitat, not food. 132 animals.

All wildlife of Florida

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

1CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including FL

Genus host records with ranges including FL · Lygodium

  • Acrolophus heppneriHeppner's Grass-Tubeworm
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Lygodiaceae
Hardiness
Zones 7a–13b

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Goblins Foot

Conservation status

Florida rankSNA
Global rankGNR
FL statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources