Ferns
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ferns grow from the desert to the alpine. While they all look lush during their prime growing season. Many ferns are well adapted to shutting down and going dormant when conditions are rough and rebounding to their tropical looking luster when conditions improve. Learn how they grow, learn what they need. A protective rock might be all you need to start your fern garden. Ferns generally prefer over head water or misting. Many will go dormant when conditions are either too dry or too cold.
We have developed a list of Ferns that grow well here in California have and included many that are also native to California.
Ferns List
Adiantum aleuticum = Adiantum pedatum * Five Fingered Fern, Aleutian Maidenhair Fern, Western Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum aleuticum the Five Fingered Fern. This California Native Fern is pictured growing at the base of a rock.
Adiantum capillus veneris * Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus veneris the Maidenhair Fern. This California Native Fern is growing in a moist shaded garden.
Adiantum jordanii * California Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum jordanii the California Maidenhair Fern. This California Native Fern grows in a dry upland shaded oak woodland.
Blechnum occidentale * Hammock Fern
Blechnum occidentale the Hammock Fern. This ornamental fern does well on a light irrigation diet in an Oak Woodland setting. New red leaves turn green as they mature.
Cyrtomium falcatum * Japanese Holly Fern
Cyrtomium falcatum the Japanese Holly Fern. This ornamental fern does well on a light irrigation diet in an Oak Woodland setting. The leathery leaves make this fern quite durable. I like using them with cycads because of the similar form.
Davallia fejeensis * Rabbit's Foot Fern
Davallia fejeensis the Rabbit's Foot Fern. This epiphytic fern is grown as much for the fuzzy rhizomes as for the lacy fronds. Grown in the shade with light but regular water this Fiji native does well in frost free gardens or with protection.
Dryopteris arguta * Coastal Wood Fern
Dryopteris arguta Coastal Fern. This California Native Fern grows in woodlands and dry shaded north slopes.
Equisetum telmateia braunii * Giant Horsetail
Equisetum telmateia braunii Giant Horsetail. This California Native Fern Ally grows in seeps and streambeds including ephemeral ones in Sun or Shade.
Myriopteris covillei * Coville's Lip Fern
Myriopteris covillei Coville's Lip Fern. This California Native Fern grows in cracks and crevices often peaking out from under a rock.
Pellaea andromedifolia * Coffee Fern
Pelleae andromedifolia the Coffee Fern. This California Native Fern grows in a dry upland shaded oak woodland or chaparral setting, often peaking out from under a rock.
Pentagramma triangularis * Goldback Fern
Pentagramma triangularis the Goldback Fern. This California Native Fern grows in a dry upland chaparral setting, often peaking out from under a rock or from a crack between two rocks.
Polypodium californicum * California Polypody
Polypodium californicum the California Polypody. This California Native Fern grows on north exposures often covering porous sandstone like moss.
Polypodium scouleri * Leathery Polypody
Polypodium scouleri the Leathery Polypody. This California Native Fern grows near the coast in the fog belt.
Polystichum munitum * Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum the Western Sword Fern. This California Native Fern grows on moist stream margins, in the Redwoods and in seasonally moist environments like this north facing rocky streambed.
Pteridium aquilinum * Bracken Fern
Pteridium aquilinum Brackenfern. This California Native Fern readily grows in shaded environments. This Fern's adaptability has resulted in worldwide distribution. Call it a weed or work with its strengths. I find this fern manageable, though a little high maintenance at times.
Woodwardia fimbriata * Giant Chain Fern
Woodwardia fimbriata the Giant Chain Fern. This California Native Fern readily grows in moist north facing shaded environments. While it can take dry summers nursery and garden conditions sometimes are difficult. If this fern works it is so worth the effort.
Woodwardia unigemmata * Chinese Chain Fern
Woodwardia unigemmata the Chinese Chain Fern is a worthwhile substitue for the native species in nursery conditions or when garden conditions make plants conform to timer schedules and gardener mayhem. The Chinese Chain Fern is more likely to go Winter Dormant.