1. Goldback/Silverback Fern – Pentagramma triangularis ssp. triangularis & viscida
(pen-ta-GRAM-ma tri-ang-gew-LARE-is )
Family: Pteridaceae (Brake/Fern family)
Native to: Much of California; in S. CA generally on dry slopes or in rocks in coastal sage scrub,
chaparral, coastal habitats.
Sometimes on rocky cliffs.
perennial fern
mature height: 4-12 in.
mature width: 4-12 in.
A small, uncommon fern with triangular fronds that are gold- or white-powdered on the underside.
Fronds 2 to 3 times pinnate, giving a lacy appearance. Dormant in summer/ fall; can die back
completely to the ground. Small and attractive.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits:
No blooms.
Sori can be seen on back of pinna.
Uses in the garden: Lovely addition to a rock garden or fern garden. Does well under oaks and in
other shady places.
Does well on slopes, rocky areas.
Would probably make a nice pot plant.
Consider growing in a shaded retaining wall or dry stone wall.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native small ferns.
Attracts: Foliage is browsed by animals.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Sheltered or shaded places
Rocky or sandy best; well-drained
Zone 1 to 1-2; little to no summer water
None; needs lean soil
Management: Little required. Plant does well in the right setting.
if plant has not died back altogether by then.
Propagation: from spores:
challenging
by divisions:
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, 29
Cut back in fall before the rains
yes, when dormant in fall or winter.
1/29/11
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