This study compared the accumulation of arsenic, copper and chromium by Pteris vittata and Pteris umbrosa grown in a glasshouse in soil from a timber treatment facility. Soil was collected from three locations. Accumulation (as percentage removed) varied between these soils but was not related to soil concentration. P. vittata was more efficient than P. umbrosa, both in accumulating As and metals in the below-ground plant parts and in translocating As to the fronds. Under the experimental conditions, only P. vittata could be effectively used in soil from one location for phytoremediation purposes.