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Pellaea spp.

Pteridaceae

Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–11

Overview

Pellaea spp. is a genus of about 40 cliffbrake ferns in the family Pteridaceae, found on rock outcrops and in dry, often calcareous habitats across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Unlike most ferns, the genus favors sun-exposed, well-drained rock crevices rather than damp shade. Plants form compact tufts from short rhizomes, with leathery, once- or twice-pinnate fronds 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) long. The pinnae are small, rounded to oblong, and blue-green to gray-green, carried on dark, wiry purple-black to brown stalks that give the group the name rock brakes. Reproduction is by spores, which form in marginal sori protected by the rolled-under leaf edge. P. atropurpurea, the purple cliffbrake, grows on limestone across eastern North America, while P. rotundifolia, the button fern of New Zealand, is grown indoors for its round, beaded leaflets. Many species are evergreen and curl their fronds during drought, reviving when moisture returns. The genus needs sharp drainage and declines in standing water, so heavy or wet soils cause rapid loss. Slow growth and a preference for mineral, alkaline substrates separate it from typical woodland ferns.

Native Range

Pellaea spp. has a near-global distribution centered on the Americas, with strong representation in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and the Andes, plus species in southern Africa, Asia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Species grow on cliffs, rocky slopes, and limestone outcrops in dry to seasonally dry climates.

Suggested Uses

Pellaea spp. is grown in rock gardens, crevice gardens, stone walls, and troughs with alkaline grit, and tender species are kept as houseplants. The drought tolerance suits dry, sunny rock plantings where most ferns struggle.

How to Identify

Look for compact tufts of leathery, blue-green to gray-green fronds on dark, wiry purple-brown stalks rooted in rock crevices. Pinnae are small and rounded to oblong, and the fertile frond margins roll under to cover the spores. The dry-site, rock-dwelling habit and stiff texture separate Pellaea spp. from soft woodland ferns.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'6"

Colors

Foliage Colors

blue green

gray green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Pellaea spp. produces no flowers and reproduces by spores. Sori form along the rolled-under margins of fertile fronds through summer and release spores at maturity. New fronds unfurl from the rhizome crown in spring.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

blue-green to gray-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

rocky sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Pellaea spp. grows in part sun to part shade with sharp, fast drainage and neutral to alkaline, gritty or rocky soil. The genus tolerates drought once established and curls its fronds in dry spells, so excess moisture is more damaging than dryness. Standing water and heavy soils cause crown rot. Hardiness varies widely, from frost-hardy species such as P. atropurpurea to tender, frost-sensitive ones grown as houseplants. Limestone chips or grit worked into the planting mix support the genus, which declines in acidic, waterlogged ground. Few pests affect the leathery foliage.

Pruning

Remove withered or frost-damaged fronds in late winter before new growth appears. Evergreen species need only the removal of tattered older fronds through the year. Congested clumps can be divided in spring.