Sword Fern also known as Wild Boston Fern, Nephrolepis exaltata, is a naturally wide spread fern throughout Florida, but it is unfortunately confused with the even more wide spread invasive and non-native Nephrolepis cordata. N. cordata is particularly identifiable from native Sword Fern by the spherical tubers on the root system.

Native Sword Fern is a large 2 to 3 foot tall fern that aggressively colonizes or spreads. For large or contained areas that a lush fern look is desired, this is a great easy growing fern. Typical fern conditions should be shaded and moist.