American parsley fern
ExplorePlants
American parsley fern
Cryptogramma acrostichoides
The American parsley fern is a lovely green plant that looks like a little forest in your garden! It has delicate, feathery leaves that can make any place feel special.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The American parsley fern has delicate, bright green fronds divided into many small, rounded leaflets that distinctly resemble parsley. It features two types of fronds: fertile ones that are taller and narrower, and sterile ones that are shorter and broader, creating a distinctive two-tiered appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyPteridaceaeGenusCryptogramma
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its common name comes from its fronds looking very similar to the herb parsley!
Some people call it 'rock brake' because it often grows clinging to rocks and cliff sides!
This fern is found on two different continents: North America and parts of Northeast Asia!
Unlike most plants, ferns like this one reproduce using tiny dust-like spores, not seeds or flowers!
Special abilities
Ability
Spore Scatterer
American parsley fern has special fertile fronds that release tiny spores, allowing it to reproduce without seeds or flowers, spreading new plants far and wide.
Ability
Rock Dweller
American parsley fern can grow directly in rocky crevices and cracks on cliffs, using tiny roots to anchor itself where few other plants survive.
Ability
Frondy Feathers
American parsley fern has two distinct types of fronds (leaves): one for making food and another for making spores, making it highly efficient.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Spread
- 10-40 cm
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Mule deer sometimes browse on its fronds.
eaten by
Long-tailed Vole
Microtus longicaudus
Voles may nibble on young fern fronds.
shelters
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
Deer mice find shelter beneath its fronds.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Cold Hardy
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild plants unless a grown-up says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American parsley fern?
10-40 cm
How wide does American parsley fern spread?
10-40 cm
Is American parsley fern edible?
Yes
Is American parsley fern toxic?
None
What is American parsley fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is American parsley fern usually found?
Forests
Snap Map
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