Japanese Climbing Fern

Lygodium japonicum

Native status: sources disagree

Do not plant. Listed invasive in South Carolina.

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including SC

—BeesSoutheastern regional records

—Specialist beesPollen specialists

—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Growing and identification

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

Growing sources and scope

Hardiness · “Zones 7a–13b” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Height · “15–90 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Leaves · “Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Life cycle · “Perennial” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Light · “Dappled sunlight (shade through upper canopy all day); Deep shade (less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight); Partial shade (direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Soil · “Dry; Moist; Wet (documented habitat)” · FloraQuest: Carolinas, Georgia (Southeastern Flora Team) · Carolinas and Georgia
Spread · “15–30 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox

Also known as

Goblins Foot; Japanese Climbing Fern