Pellaea falcata: Sickle Fern (Australian Cliff Brake)

Pellaea falcata, known as Sickle Fern, Fee Sickle Fern, or Australian Cliff Brake, is an attractive, evergreen fern native to Australia and New Zealand. It forms a tuft of arching, pinnate fronds with distinctive, sickle-shaped (falcate), leathery, dark green pinnae. The pinnae are asymmetrical, with the upper base extended. The stipe and rachis are dark brown to black, wiry, and scaly. It has a neat, compact habit.

Plant Profile

Sickle Fern is adaptable, growing in full sun to shade, but prefers some shade in hot climates. It needs well-drained soil and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. It is an excellent garden fern for rockeries, coastal gardens, containers, and as a houseplant. The unique sickle-shaped leaflets provide great textural interest. Hardy to about 20°F (-6°C).