FERN LORE:  A very strong grower, this Thelypteris is common in at least one area of Louisiana.  I don't know how hardy it is, but given how robust it has been in pots, I think it would be a good candidate to test.   It makes an excellent house fern.  I suspect it would be weedy in a greenhouse.  The volume of spores it produces is astounding.  Spore release from cut fronds turn white paper solid black.  Pure deep, rich, black.  It has to be seen to be believed.  One  frond produced nearly a quarter teaspoon  this summer.

CULTIVATION:   This fern likes to be damp, if not downright wet, all the time.  It can tolerate lots of sun if water is is consistent.  It grows like mad, and will even tolerate complete wilting, springing back right away.  Premature slight browning of the fronds a month later and of course stunting of unfurling fronds are the only result.   Mine is potted in a mixture of river bottom leaf duff, alder mainly, and very small gravel.  It responds well to natural slow-release fertilizers such as sparrow and goose droppings, though most of the time I don't bother.