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| Category: Fern |
| Family: Cyatheaceae (Cyatheaes) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: NA |
| Bloomtime: Not Significant |
| Synonyms: [Alsophila australis, Sphaeroteris cooperi] |
| Height: 12-20 feet |
| Width: 6-8 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): High Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Cyathea cooperi 'Brentwood' (Australian Tree Fern) - This robust cultivar of C. cooperi was selected by Fred and Helen Woodley, Los Angeles area fern growers, in the 1970's. It was thought to possibly be a hybrid but current treatment has it as a robust form of the Australian Tree Fern. Like the species it is a fast growing tree fern with light-green fronds. Plant in a bright shade (tolerates full sun along the coast) and provide regular irrigation. Irrigation can be applied to the trunk as well as the surrounding soil but avoid watering the crown as this enhances conditions that promote diseases such as Rhizoctonia or Tip Blight (Phyllosticta). Tip blight has become a more prevalent disease of tree ferns in southern California and seriously disfigures the new growth and older foliage. Given optimum conditions this plant can grow several feet per year and reach 20 feet tall. Hardy to about 20-25° F. It is generally faster growing, has a stouter trunk and a fuller head of leaves than typical Cyathea cooperi. The scales on the trunk are noted as a more coppery color and there is speculation that it is more resistant to Rhizoctonia than the species.
This information about Cyathea cooperi 'Brentwood' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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