There has been much confusion about the identity of Nephrolepis species in Hawai'i and which ones are native. Nephrolepis multiflora is an aggressive, fast-growing plant. Native to India and tropical Asia, it can be found on all the islands in almost solid stands along roadsides, trail sides, and barren, disturbed soil, such as in fields and orchards. It is a pioneer colonizer of lava flows, often as the only plant and in great quantities.
Nephrolepis multiflora is also popular in garden plantings in the ground and in containers.
It is no less aggressive in Hawai'i.