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California Polypody (Polypodium californicum)

California Polypody
Frond detail
Clump

Overview

California Polypody (Polypodium californicum) is a summer-deciduous fern native to coastal California and Baja. It emerges with winter rains and goes dormant in summer drought.

Taxonomy

Family:	Polypodiaceae
Genus:	Polypodium (pol-ee-PODE-ee-um)
Species:	californicum (kal-ih-FOR-nik-um)

Description

Fronds are 20–50 cm long, pinnate, with oblong pinnae. The rhizome is creeping, covered with sweet-tasting scales (hence "licorice fern" for some species). Sori are round, naked, in two rows.

Habitat and Cultivation

Grows on rocks, cliffs, and tree trunks in coastal scrub. In gardens, plant in well-drained soil with winter moisture and summer dryness. Ideal for Mediterranean climate gardens.

Ferns: California Sage (Salvia californica); Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis): California's Spring Jewel; Lemmaphyllum microphyllum; Huperzia gnidioides (Fir Clubmoss); California Sword Fern (Polystichum californicum); California Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum jordanii); Blechnum lehmannii; Pleopeltis angusta; Polypodium guttatum; Japanese Brake Fern (Pteris nipponica): Elegant Variegated Fern for Shade

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