resurrection fern
ExplorePlants
resurrection fern
Pleopeltis michauxiana
The resurrection fern is a special plant that can dry up and look dead, but when it gets water, it comes back to life! It loves to grow on tree trunks and rocks in warm places.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The resurrection fern has small, leathery fronds that appear curled and greyish-brown when dry. When it rains, these fronds quickly unfurl, transforming into a vibrant, deep green. Its unique ability to seemingly 'come back to life' makes it visually distinct.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyPolypodiaceaeGenusPleopeltis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It can sometimes grow on power lines or even old tires if conditions are right!
It can stay brown and dry for over 100 years and still turn green again!
The resurrection fern uses tiny spores instead of seeds to make new ferns. Spore-tastic!
This amazing fern doesn't need soil! It grows directly on trees and sometimes rocks.
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Survivor
Resurrection fern can shrivel and lose 75% of its water, a real adaptation that helps it survive long periods without rain.
Ability
Water Awakener
Resurrection fern has special cells that allow it to quickly absorb water, helping it rehydrate and revive after drought.
Ability
Tree Hugger
Resurrection fern can grow on trees, a real adaptation that helps it reach sunlight and avoid ground competition.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 15-40 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
shelters
Southern live oak
Quercus virginiana
Its bark provides a safe, elevated place for the fern to grow.
eaten by
Grove snail
Cepaea nemoralis
Snails sometimes munch on its fronds when they are rehydrated.
symbiotic with
Cypress-leaved plait-moss
Hypnum cupressiforme
Often shares tree bark with other mosses, creating mini-ecosystems.
Traits
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.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Also known as
Resurrection Plant
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants in the wild, as some can be prickly or cause allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is resurrection fern?
10-30 cm
How wide does resurrection fern spread?
15-40 cm
Is resurrection fern edible?
No
Is resurrection fern toxic?
None
What is resurrection fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is resurrection fern usually found?
Forests
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park80 sightings7 species
Florida, US
Orlando Loch Haven Park
You might spot Brown Anole, Southern Live Oak, and Resurrection Fern.
View guide →
Park30 sightings3 species
Florida, US
Anastasia State Park
You might spot Roseate Spoonbill, Tricolored Heron, and Great Egret.
View guide →
Park26 sightings3 species
Florida, US
Fort Matanzas National Monument
You might spot Firewheel, Black Mangrove, and Yaupon Holly.
View guide →
Park24 sightings1 species
Florida, US
B-52 Park
You might spot Guinea Paper Wasp and Fishbone Fern.
View guide →
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