ATTENTION!
Have you observed this vine in the Green Swamp area?

What is it?

Old World climbing fern is an introduced vine that is rapidly invading flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps in central Florida. Originally detected in south Florida, it is rapidly spreading to the north. Old World climbing fern smothers other plants, including young and old trees, and it creates thick mats on the ground. It is flammable and carries fire into the tree canopy, wetlands and forested swamps and hammocks where fire is normally excluded.

Who should be concerned?

Property owners, timber interests, hunters, bird watchers, hikers and others who enjoy the many outdoor activities provided by the Green Swamp’s diverse, natural habitats.

Where does it grow?

This fern most commonly occurs in moist habitats but also grows in shallow water and dry areas. Areas most at risk include cypress wetlands, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, wetland prairies and edges of water bodies.

What is being done?

A regional effort is under way to prevent the spread of Old World climbing fern into and within the Green Swamp area.