Cheilanthes farinosa: Floury Cloak Fern

Cheilanthes farinosa, the Floury Cloak Fern, is a small, compact, evergreen fern native to the southwestern US and Mexico. It forms a tight clump of tripinnate fronds with tiny, bead-like pinnules. The distinguishing feature is a dense, white, flour-like coating (farina) on both surfaces of the pinnules, especially the undersides, giving a ghostly, pale appearance. The stipe and rachis are dark and wiry.

Plant Profile

Floury Cloak Fern is a true xerophyte. It requires full sun, sharp drainage, and gritty, alkaline soil. Water extremely sparingly. The dense white farina reflects intense solar radiation and reduces water loss. It is a gem for rock gardens, crevices, troughs, and alpine houses in arid and semi-arid climates. The "floury" coating rubs off easily, so handle minimally.