Boston fern

noun

1. a variety of sword fern, Nephrolepsis exaltata bostoniensis, having long, narrow, drooping fronds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Boston fern¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

“One large Boston fern will fill up an entire planter.”

From Washington Post

Snowbell crept softly toward the bookshelf and climbed noiselessly up into the chair within easy reach of the Boston fern where Margalo was asleep.

From Literature

These air-cleaning houseplants include spider plants, ficus, Boston fern, snake plants, aloe, English ivy and philodendron.

From Seattle Times

The popular Boston fern, in spite of its name, is a tender plant that can be used as a summer-into-fall annual.

From Washington Post

Boston ferns sulking because of warm rooms and low winter humidity can be revived by a thorough soaking in a laundry tub.

From Washington Post