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Rock Fern (Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia)

Rock Fern
Frond detail
Clump
Rocky habitat

Overview

Rock Fern (Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia) is an Australian fern adapted to dry, rocky outcrops. Its fine, lacy fronds are surprisingly drought-tolerant.

Taxonomy

Family:	Adiantaceae
Genus:	Cheilanthes (ky-LAN-theez)
Species:	austrotenuifolia (oss-troh-ten-yoo-ih-FOH-lee-uh)

Description

Fronds are 10–30 cm long, tripinnate, with very fine, hair-like ultimate segments. The fronds are green, not notably hairy. Stipes are dark, wiry. Forms a tufted clump.

Habitat and Cultivation

Grows on rock faces and crevices in open forests. In cultivation, needs sharp drainage, bright light, and minimal water. Suitable for rock gardens, walls, and alpine houses.

Ferns: Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum): Unique Fern That "Walks" Across Rocks; Log Fern (Dryopteris celsa): Tall, Hybrid Wood Fern for Moist Shade; Woodwardia unigemmata: Chain Fern; Pyrrosia hastata: Felt Fern; Adder's-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum); Basket Fern (Drynaria rigidula); Rock Fern (Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia); Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza); Staghorn Fern (Platycerium wallichii); Japanese Brake Fern (Pteris nipponica): Elegant Variegated Fern for Shade

Garden Articles

Fern Tree (Filicium decipiens): Graceful Shade for Tropics

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica): Adaptable Native Shade Tree

Calandrinia spectabilis: Rock Purslane – Magenta Flowers on Succulent Blue-Green Foliage

Fragile Fern (Cystopteris protrusa)

Swamp Fern (Blechnum serrulatum)

Cheilanthes sieberi: Mulga Fern

Crown Fern (Blechnum discolor): Distinctive New Zealand Fern

Plants

Dixie Wood Fern (Dryopteris × australis): Robust Hybrid Fern for Southern Gardens

Bladder Fern / Bulblet Fern (Cystopteris bulbifera): Delicate Fern with Bulblets for Easy Propagation

Thelypteris decursive-pinnata: Japanese Beech Fern

Woodwardia radicans: European Chain Fern

Polystichum setiferum: Soft Shield Fern

Cheilanthes farinosa: Floury Cloak Fern

Pellaea rotundifolia: Button Fern (Roundleaf Fern)