Ferns leaves or “fronds” have a recognizable central vein with several smaller segments, also called “leaflets”, on each side. They’re liked for adding a tropical feel to your landscaping.
If you’re looking for trees with fern-like leaves, here’s a list complete with their unique characteristics and photos.
Fern-Like Trees with Green Balls: A Unique Part of Nature’s Diversity
Ferns are known for their delicate, lacy fronds and preference for shady, humid environments. Trees develop strong trunks and branches to reach sunlight and withstand weather. At first glance, the two seem opposites. Yet amazingly, certain trees produce leaves strikingly similar to ferns. Even more fascinating, some fern-leaved trees also bear curious green seed pods nicknamed “green balls.”
These unique trees blend characteristics of ferns and trees, displaying nature’s boundless creativity. Their distinctive foliage and spherical fruit make them standouts in any landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular fern-leaved trees that produce green balls Learning about these unusual plants reveals the diversity and interconnectivity of our natural world Read on to uncover the stories behind trees with ferny leaves and green orbs.
An Introduction to Tree Ferns
To understand fern-like trees, it helps first to look at a related group of plants called tree ferns. Tree ferns dominated the earth millions of years ago in prehistoric times and still grow in tropical areas today.
These ancient plants have tall, thick trunks up to 10 meters high, topped by a crown of large, divided fronds. The arching fronds unfurl as fiddleheads, then extend outward on stems called stipes. This gives tree ferns their classic feathery, fern-like foliage.
Common tree fern varieties include the Australian tree fern, Hawaiian hapuu fern, and Western sword fern. Tree ferns thrive in warm, steamy environments in frost-free climates. With their primordial appeal, tree ferns make striking standouts in tropical gardens.
Top Ferny Trees that Produce Green Balls
Now let’s look at some of the top flowering trees renowned for fern-like leaves coupled with curious green seed pods:
Japanese Fern Tree
The Japanese fern tree (Filicium decipiens) is a tropical evergreen valued for its delicate, lacy leaves. Its drooping compound leaves have 20-40 pairs of tiny leaflets, each with finely divided segments. This imparts an overall dainty, fern-like appearance.
In spring, the tree bears loose clusters of petite white flowers. These give way to tiny (1⁄2 inch) green fruit resembling beads. As the fruit ripens, it transitions to a deep purple-black tone.
Ideal for courtyard and atrium plantings, the oval, bushy Japanese fern tree grows 15-25 feet tall. It thrives in frost-free climates and makes a distinctive ornamental specimen.
Ginkgo
The ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a unique deciduous tree considered a living fossil. It has existed for over 270 million years with little change. The ginkgo’s fan-shaped leaves have radiating veins that divide into two lobes. This pattern closely resembles a fern frond.
In autumn, female ginkgo trees produce fleshy green seed pods about the size of plums. These emit a sour, unpleasant scent as they ripen. After leaf drop, the golden fruit litter the ground beneath bare branches.
Tolerant of pollution and pests, the ginkgo makes a popular street and landscape tree. It thrives in USDA zones 3-9.
Empress Tree
Also known as the empress or princess tree, the Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) displays large, heart-shaped leaves covered in fine hairs. This gives the leaves a soft, velvety texture much like a fern.
Foxglove-like panicles of fragrant lavender flowers appear before the leaves emerge in spring. These give way to clusters of tiny green seed capsules resembling beads.
Fast growing to 40-60 feet tall, the Paulownia is an ornamental shade tree native to China. It naturalizes readily, however, so check local restrictions before planting.
Key Facts about Green Ball Seed Pods
What exactly are the curious green balls produced by certain trees? Here are some key facts:
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The green balls are seed pods containing seeds enclosed in a protective outer coating.
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The seed pods often resemble beads, grapes, or small fruit. They start out green, then may ripen to other colors like purple.
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Trees like ginkgos and paulownias bear multiple individual seed pods. Others like the Japanese fern tree produce small clusters.
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The pods allow seeds to develop fully before releasing them.
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Seed pods aid reproduction by protecting and dispersing seeds. Wind, gravity, and wildlife help scatter seeds to new growing sites.
Cultivation Tips
If you’d like to grow a ferny tree with ornamental seed pods, here are some useful care tips:
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Site in part sun to light shade with shelter from winds. Most require humid conditions.
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Water regularly to establish, then taper off for mature trees. Avoid soggy soil.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
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Prune lightly in winter to maintain shape and health. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Monitor for pests like borers, scale, mites, and aphids. Apply organic treatments as needed.
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Consider growing Japanese fern tree or ginkgo in containers where they’ll stay small. Limit root growth by pruning and repotting.
The Beauty of Nature’s Diversity
Trees with lacy fern foliage and curious green seed balls showcase nature’s boundless diversity. They blend the delicate, tropical qualities of ferns with the hardiness of towering trees. Their unique leaves and seed pods add ornamental interest and wildlife habitat to landscapes.
Next time you come across an unusual plant, take time to appreciate its singular beauty. Our marvelous planet has endless wonders waiting to be discovered. A little curiosity about the natural world can uncover amazing insights into nature’s intricate connections.
Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia)
| Scientific Name | Delonix regia |
| Common Name(s) | Flamboyant treeFlame treePeacock tree |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Nativity | Madagascar |
| Toxicity (Touch) | No |
| Toxicity (Ingestion) | Yes |
| Unique Characteristics | Dark green, fern-like leaves with 20 to 40 pairs of oval-shaped leafletsBright yellow-orange-red, tropical-looking flowers |
Did you know that the royal poinciana is actually an endangered tree species in the wild? Thankfully, mass reproduction for ornamental use has proven to help prevent it from disappearing.
The royal poinciana actually goes by quite a few names, like “flame tree” and “peacock tree”. This is attributed to its bright yellow-orange-red, tropical-looking flowers.
It’s important to keep in mind that it usually takes about 5 years before it will begin to produce flowers. In some cases, it may even take as long as 10 years, so you may want to pack some patience.
Its blooms are complemented by dark green, fern-like leaves that densely cover the crown of the tree. Within a single leaf, there are about 20 to 40 pairs of oval-shaped leaflets.
Since its canopy can reach about 40 to 60 feet, it’s also popularly used for its wide shade coverage, hence it’s often planted in public parks and spaces.
A mature royal poinciana can reach heights of about 40 feet, especially in environments where it receives full sun coverage.
Having said that, you may want to measure out the landscape where you intend to plant it so as to give it enough room to grow freely without any obstructive infrastructure such as pipes or walkways.
Despite being an evergreen plant, the royal poinciana sheds its leaves as the weather begins to cool or during drought periods. Hence, it will require a bit of upkeep during shedding season.
Aside from that, it’ll require regular pruning to ensure that its branches develop properly enough to support itself well. It’ll also need a fertilizing schedule, specifically in the fall and spring.
Copperpod (Peltophorum pterocarpum)
| Scientific Name | Peltophorum pterocarpum |
| Common Name(s) | CopperpodYellow-flamboyantYellow flame treeYellow poincianaYellow jacaranda |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Nativity | Southeast Asia |
| Toxicity (Touch) | No |
| Toxicity (Ingestion) | No |
| Unique Characteristics | Fern-like, dark green leaves with oval-shaped leafletsDome-shaped canopySmall, orange-yellow flowers |
Native to the tropics of Southeast Asia, the copperpod is a well-known ornamental plant that’s popular for its exotic appearance.
It has a dome-shaped canopy with dense spreading fern-like, dark green leaves. These grow to about 30 to 60 cm in length and have about 20 to 40 oval-shaped leaflets, each about 8 to 25 mm long.
After about 4 to 5 years, the copperpod plant begins to grow small, orange-yellow flowers. They’re also known to be fragrant, especially at night.
It also grows small, red-brown, pod-like fruits before turning black after ripening. Each pod grows to about 5 to 10 centimeters with 1 to 4 seeds inside.
While they typically only grow to about 65 to 80 feet, there are odd instances wherein they lengthen to twice their normal size. Meanwhile, its trunk is about 40 inches in diameter.
Its bark was traditionally used for medicinal treatments. In particular, for remedying body sores, bruises, and swelling, among others.
Aside from that, its trunk also makes a natural yellowish-brown dye. This is commonly used in the textile industry for coloring batik products and fishnets.
Meanwhile, its leaves are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects.
Care for the copperpod is relatively easy. They require a lot of sunlight, preferably full sun and is even considered drought-tolerance once it’s established.
It also needs a regular watering schedule because it prefers having its soil dry out first.
The only downside would probably be that regular pruning is necessary. As a deciduous plant, it may be troublesome to clean up its leaves.
Australian Fern Tree – Beautiful, finely cut, broad, bright green fronds
FAQ
What tree has little green balls?
Several types of trees produce little green balls.
Are mimosa trees illegal?
Are mimosa trees good for anything?
Yes, mimosa trees, also known as “Tree of Happiness”, have several beneficial uses.
What kind of tree drops large green balls?
Fall means the pop and splat of acorns, walnuts, and persimmons hitting the ground, and among them you might come across a cluster of those bright green, softball-sized brain-balls: the Osage oranges.
What trees look like a fern?
Some of the most common trees that look like a fern are yellow jacaranda, elephant ear tree, rain tree, and tamarind tree. But wait! We have many more! What we meant by trees that look like fern here is the leaves. The foliage of these specimens have a resemblance to the plant in question. 1. Mimosa – Silk Tree Botanical Name: Albizia julibrissin
What does a soft tree fern look like?
The leaves of soft tree ferns are large, glossy dark green, alternatively arranged, and bipinnate or tripinnate (sterile or fertile) having a rough texture. These leaves are very attractive with gracefully arching and deeply divided terminal-rosette which make them distinctive.
What do fern leaves look like?
The leaves are fern-like green color, 8-18 inches in size, and bi-pinnate dividing into 6-12 pairs of pinnate containing 20–30 pairs of leaflets on each. These fern-like leaves combined with fluffy pinkish flowers increase the beauty of any garden. Again, the leaves also get closed when touched or at night which is a unique nature.
What does a sweet fern look like?
Sweet fern is an aromatic, mound-shaped, and dense shrub of 2-5 feet long native to eastern North America. The leaves of this plant are fern-like divided, 1-6 inches long, narrow, and olive-green. These leaves are linear to lanceolate-shaped with rolled-back edges and lobed margins.
Which trees have fern-like leaves?
Some of the most popular trees that have fern-like leaves include Jacaranda, Royal Poinciana, Velvet Mesquite tree, etc. We’d be highlighting them to give you a better understanding of how they are. 1. Jacaranda Tree (Jacaranda Mimosifolia) The Jacaranda is a species of flowering tree indigenous to South America that has fern-like leaves.
Which trees produce green balls?
Many tree species produce green balls, each with its unique characteristics. Some well-known trees that produce green balls include: Osage Orange Tree: The Osage Orange tree, with its distinctive waxy green balls, is native to the central United States. These small green orbs mature in late fall and are a symbol of strength and resilience.