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Australian tree fern and Hāpuʻu pulu: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Australian tree fern Sphaeropteris cooperi	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Hāpuʻu pulu Cibotium glaucum
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Native range
Eastern Australia	Hawaiian native range: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi.See state guides
Sunlight
Sun to shade, with shelter	Part sun & shade
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained soil	Average moisture / Moist to wet
Mature height
15–50 ft	Over 3 ft
Mature spread
10–12 ft	8–20+ ft
USDA hardiness zones
8–11	Choose by island, elevation, and rainfall.
Season of interest
Evergreen fern foliage	Year-round fern foliage
Garden & wildlife value
Wildlife relationships are not detailed in the linked profile.	A native tree fern adds an understory canopy and helps control erosion.
Growing notes
A fast-growing tree fern, also sold as Cyathea cooperi. Needs protection from drying winds.	Needs ample moisture, acidic soil, and drainage; its fronds require generous space. Buy nursery-grown plants.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.