Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

black tree fern for sale

If you’re looking for a striking, iconic feature plant for your New Zealand garden, our black tree fern for sale (Cyathea medullaris, also known as Mamaku) is an exceptional choice. This majestic native brings lush, subtropical style to any landscape, with its soaring black trunk and graceful, arching fronds. Whether you’re landscaping a shady secluded corner or creating a vibrant bush garden, the black tree fern brings drama and heritage to your outdoor space.

Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Fern)

Black Tree Fern, Katata, Pitau, Mamaku

Cyathea medullaris, commonly known as Black Tree Fern or Mamaku, is one of New Zealand’s most impressive native ferns. This majestic species is admired for its tall black trunk and large, graceful green fronds that can span several metres. It adds drama, texture, and a true sense of New Zealand identity to gardens and natural landscapes.

A cluster of Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Ferns).
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Ferns
  • Height:
    20.00 m
  • Spread:
    6.00 m
  • Tolerances:
    Shade, Wet
  • Garden uses:
    Ponds, Screening
  • Garden styles:
    Native, Riparian
Cyathea dealbata fern with lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Cyathea dealbata (Punga)

Cyathea dealbata, commonly known as Silver Fern or Ponga, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic native plants. This majestic tree fern is admired for...

Cyathea tomentosissima tree ferns.
Most Popular

Cyathea tomentosissima

Cyathea tomentosissima, commonly known as the Highland Lace Fern, produces soft and delicate-looking fronds which spread horizontally to about 1 m...

Cyathea australis tree fern.
Most Popular

Cyathea australis

Cyathea australis, commonly known as the Rough Tree Fern, produces a tall and slender, brown trunk and can grow up to 15 m tall with a spread of 6 m...

Cyathea cooperi tree fern.
Most Popular

Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern)

Cyathea cooperi, commonly known as the Australian Tree Fern, produces a tall and slender, brown trunk and can grow up to 15 m tall with a spread of 8...

A Cyathea smithii tree fern in a native reserve.
Most Popular

Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern)

Cyathea smithii, commonly known as Ponga Tree or Soft Tree Fern, is a beautiful New Zealand native fern admired for its graceful fronds and soft...

An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
Most Popular

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a popular NZ native prized for its lush, arching fronds and...

From$33.68
Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Fern)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Cyathea or Tree Fern.

Search Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Fern)

Why Choose Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Fern)?

The black tree fern is New Zealand’s largest native fern, admired for its bold, architectural form. With fronds that can reach up to five metres, and a convincing black trunk, Cyathea medullaris creates an immediate visual impact. It’s perfect for attracting native birds, providing dappled shade, or forming the backbone of a lush, forest-inspired garden. Soft new fronds unfurl like koru, a symbol of growth in Māori culture, making Mamaku a true statement plant.

Growing Conditions for Black Tree Fern

Cyathea medullaris is best suited for partially shaded to shaded sites, sheltered from harsh wind. It thrives in well-draining soils rich in organic matter, and enjoys regular watering. With the right conditions, your black tree fern will develop into a spectacular specimen and require very minimal maintenance—just keep the root zone moist and mulch each season for best results.

Designing with Tree Ferns

Mamaku combines beautifully with other native and exotic ferns. Consider planting it alongside fern friends like Cyathea dealbata (Punga), an iconic silver fern with distinctive silvery fronds, or Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern) for a true bush effect. For more variety, explore Cyathea australis, with its elegant upright form, or the texturally interesting Cyathea tomentosissima. For contrasting foliage, pair your black tree fern with Polystichum braunii (Brauns Holly Fern), or the popular Davallia solida (Rabbits Foot Fern) and Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern).

Where to Buy Black Tree Fern in New Zealand

Our nursery offers healthy, field-grown black tree ferns for sale, ideal for home gardeners, landscapers, and revegetation projects. Each plant is carefully grown, ensuring a strong root system and thriving top growth. When you purchase Cyathea medullaris from us, you’re investing in a piece of Aotearoa heritage for your garden.

Take your garden to new heights with the ultimate New Zealand fern. Browse our full selection of companion ferns such as Cyathea dealbata (Punga), Cyathea tomentosissima, and Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) to transform your space into a tranquil fernery. Order your black tree fern today and enjoy a piece of the forest at home.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

The spotlight often lands on Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops, but Magnolia grandiflora Russet, Bougainvillea 'Ningili', and Lobelia angulata (Panakenake) deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews