Lace Lipfern (Cheilanthes gracillima): Delicate Fern for Dry Rock Gardens

Overview

Lace lipfern (Cheilanthes gracillima) is a delicate, clump-forming fern native to western North America, from British Columbia to California. Its finely dissected, lacy fronds thrive in dry, rocky habitats—unusual for a fern, making it a prized addition to xeriscapes and rock gardens.

Botanical Description

Fronds are tripinnate, 10–25 cm long, arising from a short, scaly rhizome. Ultimate segments are tiny, bead-like, giving a feathery, lace-like appearance. Stipes are dark, wiry, and scaly. Sori are borne along the margins of the ultimate segments, protected by the recurved leaf edge (false indusium). The species name gracillima means "most slender."

Taxonomy

Family:	Adiantaceae (or Pteridaceae)
Genus:	Cheilanthes (ky-LAN-theez)
Species:	gracillima (grass-IL-ih-muh)
Synonym:	Cheilanthes gracillima var. aberrans

Cultivation Requirements

• Light: Full sun to part shade; best with afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Soil: Very well-drained, gritty, neutral to alkaline.
• Water: Low; drought-deciduous in summer. Water sparingly.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9.

Garden Uses

Ideal for rock gardens, crevice gardens, alpine troughs, and dry stone walls. Plant in vertical crevices for excellent drainage. Combines with sedums, lewisias, penstemons, and dwarf conifers. A gem for the native plant xeriscape.

Notes

Like other lip ferns, it curls up when dry and revives with moisture—a desiccation-tolerant adaptation. Avoid rich, moisture-retentive soils and overhead watering. The variety aberrans has even more finely divided fronds.