Cyathea Cooperi

Australian Tree Fern / Lacy Tree Fern / Scale Tree Fern / Cooper's Tree Fern

Botanical Name: Cyathea cooperi (syn. Sphaeropteris cooperi)
Family: Cyatheaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia — coastal NSW & QLD rainforests and gullies
Plant Type: Evergreen tree fern

Overview

Cyathea cooperi is a lush, fast-growing statement fern for sheltered South Australian gardens. It forms a graceful crown of arching, lacy mid-green fronds from a slender trunk. Best in bright shade to part shade with consistent moisture and rich, humus-laden soil; ideal for ferneries, shaded courtyards and protected coastal sites.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 3–6 m H × 2–4 m W (can be larger in ideal sites)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Large, feathery fronds to 3–4 m; fresh flushes give a lush tropical look
• Flowers: None (fern) — produces spores on frond undersides; non-flowering
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen, architectural fronds year-round; fresh flushes in the warm months
• Wildlife Value: Provides cool, humid microclimate and shelter for small birds and beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Moisture-loving (not drought-tolerant); prefers shelter from hot wind, coastal-tolerant (sheltered, irrigated); light frost (protect crown/trunk)
• Planting Density: Feature/group plantings at 1.2–2.0 m centres depending on spread
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic / not commonly listed as poisonous to cats or dogs; ingestion of any plant may cause mild GI upset

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Bright shade to part shade; avoid harsh afternoon sun inland
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained loam or sandy loam; keep crown and root zone evenly moist
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2–3 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak 2×/week in summer; fortnightly in winter if dry; mist fronds in heatwaves
• Maintenance: Mulch thickly; water into the root zone (not into the crown in cold); remove old fronds at the base; light organic feed in spring
• Lifespan: 20–50+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens in sheltered, irrigated positions, including protected coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid to Neutral

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Create a ferny, tropical focal point by entries and shaded outdoor rooms
• Underplant with clivia, aspidistra and lomandra for layered texture
• Group plant along shady paths and water features for a rainforest feel

Why You Will Love It

Instant tropical drama with cool, green shade. Australian Tree Fern delivers big, elegant fronds, rapid growth in the right microclimate, and year-round structure — perfect for sheltered SA gardens seeking lush impact with simple care.