Family: Dicksoniaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Dicksonia fibrosa, commonly known as golden tree fern, kuripaka, or wheki-ponga, is native to New Zealand. This distinctive tree fern develops a stout, fibrous trunk covered in persistent old frond bases, giving it a rough, shaggy appearance. It typically grows 6–20 feet tall, with a broad crown of arching, dark green fronds that can create a lush, tropical look in shaded gardens. In landscaping, it is valued as an ornamental specimen for woodland settings, shaded courtyards, and tropical-themed plantings. Its tolerance of cool, moist conditions and dramatic form make it popular among fern enthusiasts and collectors.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, golden tree fern is naturalized and considered high risk. It reproduces by abundant spores that can be dispersed by wind and water, allowing it to establish beyond cultivation in suitable moist forest habitats. Like other non-native tree ferns, it has the potential to form dense stands that compete with native understory plants for light, space, and nutrients. These traits—along with its ability to thrive in tropical island climates—are cause for concern, as it could detrimentally impact sensitive forest ecosystems. Because Hawaiʻi’s native forests are especially vulnerable to invasive species, Plant Pono recommends choosing a low-risk or native alternative, such as a locally appropriate Hawaiian tree fern, to help protect our unique island environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability and elevation range
  
• Grows in upper elevation tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii island (Hawaiian Islands) and possibly outside natural range in New Zealand
  
• Skirt of fallen fronds prevents epiphyte establishment and could potentially impact Hawaiian epiphyte diversity and abundance if established more widely
  
• Other Dicksonia species are invasive
  
• Dead fronds moderately to highly flammable
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by spores
  
• Hybridizes with other Dicksonia species
  
• Spores dispersed by wind and water; also intentionally planted
  
• Prolific spore production

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Valued as an ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Slow growing
  
• Mechanical and chemical methods appear to provide effective control