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punga tree fern

The punga tree fern is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and instantly recognisable native plants. Famed for its majestic fronds and textured trunk, the punga tree fern creates lush, green canopy layers in gardens and forests throughout the country. Known botanically as Cyathea dealbata, and often called the silver fern, this tree fern is prized for its ornamental beauty, its cultural significance to Aotearoa, and its ability to bring a lush, subtropical feel to any shady New Zealand landscape.

Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.

Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

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Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and long-lasting blue flowers. Loose clusters of the deep blue-mauve flowers are borne across the tree through spring and summer.

From $494.05

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese, Tropical
podocarpus-gracilior-

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine but offers a similar evergreen presence with a softer and more refined appearance.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King' is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, creamy white spring flowers, brilliant...

From$387.55
podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1
Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine) is a compact, upright evergreen conifer prized for its dense, dark green foliage and naturally tidy growth...

From$192.51
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$183.51
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3
Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is an impressive evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its lush, glossy green foliage and attractive architectural form...

From$366.25
acer-senkaki-
Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', commonly known as the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a beautiful deciduous tree prized for its brilliant coral red branches...

From$299.95
An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
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$26.15
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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser

Fruit Tree Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth, strong root development, and productive fruiting in a wide range of fruit...

From$16.95
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
acer-esk-sunset-
Acer 'Esk Sunset'

Acer 'Esk Sunset' is a stunning deciduous maple prized for its richly variegated foliage with green leaves flushed in pink, cream, and purple...

From$299.95
A stunning Albizia julibrissin 'Red Silk' tree with masses of red flowers.
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Albizia 'Red Silk' is a variety of the commonly known Silk Tree, and is grown for its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is...

From$344.95
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
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Palm Tree Fertiliser

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
Cyathea dealbata fern with lush, green foliage.
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...

OUT OF STOCK
A Cyathea smithii tree fern in a native reserve.
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyathea cooperi tree fern.
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Blechnum fraseri fern with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern)

Blechnum fraseri is a distinctive NZ native fern admired for its upright, leathery fronds and strong architectural form. This hardy species thrives...

OUT OF STOCK
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Albizia, and Asplenium, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Ground Fern, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search punga tree fern

What is a Punga Tree Fern?

The punga tree fern refers most commonly to Cyathea dealbata, a native tree fern endemic to New Zealand. It’s best known for its long, arching fronds with silvery-white undersides—a detail that led to the silver fern becoming a national symbol. Mature punga tree ferns typically reach up to 10 metres tall, forming a rugged, fibrous trunk topped with a dense crown of foliage. As a forest pioneer, the punga thrives in moist, sheltered areas with dappled sun, but it is equally at home in sheltered urban backyards or as a statement feature in subtropical gardens.

Punga Tree Fern Uses in the Garden

Punga tree ferns are an outstanding choice for creating a naturalistic, layered landscape. Their broad fronds provide valuable shade and habitat for native birds and insects, making them a key element in native plant gardens and ecological regeneration projects. Whether used as a solitary specimen or as part of fern collections, the punga’s striking silhouette and green foliage lend drama and structure to shaded corners and underplantings. Their trunks—even after the tree fern has died—are sometimes harvested as "punga slabs" for garden borders, retaining walls, and vertical planting features.

For gardeners looking for other majestic fern species, consider the Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern), which shares a similar form but is slightly smaller and better suited to colder, more damp locations. Those interested in international varieties may enjoy Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern), a robust option with finely divided fronds.

Growing and Caring for Punga Tree Ferns

Punga tree ferns naturally thrive in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. They prefer partial to full shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day. Protecting them from strong winds and harsh sun ensures their fronds remain lush and unblemished. Regular watering—especially in periods of drought—will help prevent dehydration, as punga ferns dislike drying out. Adding organic mulch around the base will improve soil moisture and minimise weeds.

If you’re seeking to introduce the iconic punga into your landscape, the Cyathea dealbata (Punga) is the classic choice, available in various sizes for instant impact.

Explore More Ferns and Fern-Like Plants

For gardeners with a passion for textural, architectural foliage, explore our full collection of tree ferns and complementary plants. The Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) offers a fine-leaved evergreen option, ideal for hedges and screening, while the Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine) provides year-round colour and low-maintenance structure for smaller gardens.

Discover how the punga tree fern and its companions can transform your landscape into a thriving, green retreat echoing New Zealand’s native bush.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
While Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Ophiopogon planiscapus, Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black', and Betula platyphylla Japonica quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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