goldback fern
ExplorePlants
goldback fern
Pentagramma triangularis
The goldback fern is a beautiful plant with bright green leaves that look like they have golden backs! It loves to grow in shady places and can often be found in forests.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The goldback fern has distinctive triangular-shaped fronds that are vibrant green on top. Its most unique feature is the striking golden-yellow, powdery coating found on the underside of its fronds, which gives it its common name.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyPteridaceaeGenusPentagramma
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Goldback ferns don't grow flowers or seeds; they reproduce using microscopic spores hidden beneath their fronds.
Its scientific name, Pentagramma, refers to the frond's five-sided, star-like base shape!
The golden powder isn't pollen or dust; it's a special wax that protects the fern!
These ferns are ancient, belonging to a plant group that lived with dinosaurs millions of years ago!
Special abilities
Ability
Golden Sunscreen
Goldback fern can produce a powdery, golden-yellow wax on its fronds that helps protect it from sun and dehydration.
Ability
Rock Hugger
Goldback fern has tough rhizomes and roots that allow it to anchor securely in rock crevices, even on steep cliffs.
Ability
Drought Dodger
Goldback fern can curl its fronds tightly during dry periods, reducing water loss and reviving when moisture returns.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
eaten by
California banana slug
Ariolimax californicus
Grazes on the fern's fronds in its native habitat.
shelters
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Common rough woodlouse
Porcellio scaber
Finds cool, damp refuge beneath the fern's fronds and rhizomes.
shelters
Marsh wolf spider
Pardosa amentata
Uses the fern's fronds and damp base as hunting grounds and refuge.
Traits
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Spore Producing
Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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 you have an adult with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is goldback fern?
10-30 cm
How wide does goldback fern spread?
10-30 cm
Is goldback fern edible?
No
Is goldback fern toxic?
None
What is goldback fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is goldback fern usually found?
Forests
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