Pellaea truncata: Spiny Cliffbrake

Pellaea truncata, the Spiny Cliffbrake, is a small, compact, evergreen fern native to the southwestern US and Mexico. It forms a tight clump of erect, pinnate fronds with leathery, blue-green pinnae (leaflets) that have spiny-toothed margins. The rachis (stem) and stipe are dark brown to black and wiry. It grows in rock crevices and on cliffs, often in limestone areas.

Plant Profile

This xerophytic fern is adapted to dry, exposed conditions. It requires full sun to light shade, excellent drainage, and a gritty, alkaline soil (limestone). Water sparingly; it is very drought-tolerant once established. It is an ideal choice for rock gardens, crevice gardens, and dry stone walls in arid and semi-arid climates. A tough, textural gem for the specialist collection.