1. Bird’s Foot Cliffbrake – Pellaea mucronata
(pel-EE(or AY)-uh moo-kro-NAY-tuh )
Family: Pteridaceae (Maidenhair Fern Family)
Native to: Species grows in OR, NV, AZ & Baja CA; local ssp (mucronata) limited to CA, locally on
Catalina & San Clemente Isl, Santa Monica Mountains. Grows on cliffs and rocky slopes, on a variety
of acidic to mildly basic soils, mostly below 6000' elevation.
spreading perennial fern
mature height: 1 ft.
mature width: 1-3 ft.
Smaller fern that looks quite different from other native ferns. Leaflets are oblong with rolled edges,
green fading to medium brown with summer drought. Very unusual and showy appearance.
Moderate growth rate – spreads via short rhizomes.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits:
Non-bloomer. Spores held in sori under the rolled edges.
Uses in the garden: The perfect fern for hot, dry areas of the garden. Very showy look – would be
great combined with Bricklebush, Goldenrods and native grasses in a dry mixed bed. Good choice
for sunny rock gardens or dry stone walls (including retaining walls). Fine on dry slopes. Dried
leaves were used to treat respiratory illnesses.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native ferns.
Attracts: Provides cover for insects.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Sun to part-shade; light shade is great.
Any well-drained soil; local pH range is perfect.
Occasional water (Zone 1-2 or 2) once established.
Not needed, but probably OK occasionally.
Leaf mulch is preferred.
Difficult to get established – treat as Zone 2-3 first summer. After that, just
remove dead leaves (fronds) when new leaves appear. Very tough plant once established.
Management:
Propagation: from spores: challenging
by divisions: easy in winter/spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 11, 13
1/30/11
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