A tree fern is a type of fern that grows tall like a tree, with a thick trunk topped by a crown of large, feathery fronds. Unlike regular trees, which have bark and branches, tree ferns have a central stem made of tightly packed roots and leaf bases. Their fronds unfurl from the top in coiled spirals called fiddleheads, eventually spreading out like giant green umbrellas that can reach 15 feet long.

Tree ferns are ancient plants that have existed for over 300 million years, meaning they were already growing when dinosaurs walked the Earth. They thrive in wet, shaded forests, particularly in places like New Zealand, Australia, and tropical mountain regions. Some species can grow 30 feet tall or more, creating a prehistoric atmosphere in the forests where they live.

Unlike flowering plants, tree ferns reproduce through spores (tiny dust-like particles) rather than seeds. If you flip over a tree fern frond, you might see rows of brown dots on the underside. Those are the spore cases. Tree ferns grow slowly, sometimes taking decades to reach their full height, and they need constant moisture to survive. Their trunks can absorb water, which is why gardeners in mild climates sometimes use sections of tree fern trunk as natural supports for orchids and other plants.