Family: Selaginellaceae

Peacock fern is an invasive, vining, smothering iridescent plant that’s native to Tropical Asia. Popular in the horticultural trade, it has been widely introduced throughout the world. Repeated introductions continue to facilitate the spread. As a result, it has naturalized and invaded many places in the Southern US, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Peacock fern is especially problematic in the El Yunque National Forest, where it’s considered one of the most aggressive plant invaders. Along roadsides and forest margins, it forms dense patches. Peacock fern thrives in deep shade and full sun (although the color is much less dramatic).

Besides extensive spread in the horticulture trade, it produces copious amounts of wind-dispersed spores and reproduces vegetatively.

Description and Dispersal:

• Bushy to vine-like climbing habit
  
• Iridescent blue-green foliage
  
• Frondlike branches are borne on elongated climbing stems
  
• Wind-dispersed spores

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in many regions in tropical and subtropical America
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii Island
  
• Potential agricultural and environmental weed
  
• Other Selaginella species are invasive
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Climbing and smother habit
  
• Forms dense stands in forest understory
  
• Reproduces by wind-dispersed spores
  
• Prolific spore production

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite widespread cultivation and naturalization, negative impacts are rarely documented
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic