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Bristly Cloak Fern (Cheilanthes distans)

Bristly Cloak Fern
Frond detail
Clump
Rocky habitat

Overview

Bristly Cloak Fern (Cheilanthes distans) is an Australian fern with bristly hairs on the frond undersides and a compact, clumping habit on rocks.

Taxonomy

Family:	Adiantaceae
Genus:	Cheilanthes (ky-LAN-theez)
Species:	distans (DIS-tans)

Description

Fronds are 10–25 cm long, tripinnate, with bristly hairs on the underside. Stipes are dark, scaly. The plant forms a dense tuft on rock ledges.

Habitat and Cultivation

Grows on granite and sandstone outcrops in open forests. In cultivation, provide gritty, well-drained soil, bright light, and minimal water. Ideal for rock gardens 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; Cheilanthes farinosa: Floury Cloak Fern; Pyrrosia hastata: Felt Fern; Adder's-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum); Basket Fern (Drynaria rigidula); 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

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

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

Fragile Fern (Cystopteris protrusa)

Swamp Fern (Blechnum serrulatum)

Cheilanthes sieberi: Mulga Fern

Crown Fern (Blechnum discolor): Distinctive New Zealand Fern

Plants

Thelypteris decursive-pinnata: Japanese Beech Fern

Woodwardia radicans: European Chain Fern

Polystichum setiferum: Soft Shield Fern

Pellaea rotundifolia: Button Fern (Roundleaf Fern)

Island Goldback Fern (Pityrogramma chrysophylla)

Mexican Male Fern (Dryopteris pseudofilix-mas)

Blue Fern (Microsorum thailandicum)