serpentine fern
ExplorePlants
serpentine fern
Aspidotis densa
The serpentine fern is a beautiful plant with curly, green leaves that look like little waves. It loves to grow in shady places and adds a touch of magic to gardens and forests.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The serpentine fern is a small, tough plant with stiff, leathery fronds that can appear bluish-green. Its triangular leaves often grow in dense clumps, emerging from rocky crevices, giving it a unique, rugged look. It stands out visually due to its dark, compact form amidst bare rock.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyPteridaceaeGenusAspidotis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Instead of flowers and seeds, this fern makes tiny dust-like spores to reproduce!
It loves rocky soils that are full of metals like nickel, which most plants cannot tolerate!
Its fronds are super tough, almost like leather, helping it survive in harsh places.
Some people call it a 'cliff brake' because it often grows on rocky cliffs.
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Soil Shield
Serpentine fern can thrive in special soils high in heavy metals, an adaptation that helps it survive where most plants can't grow.
Ability
Drought Defender
This fern has tough, leathery fronds that help it lose less water, allowing it to survive long, dry periods in rocky habitats.
Ability
Crevice Clinger
Serpentine fern has strong roots that help it grip tightly onto tiny cracks in rocks, anchoring it securely against wind.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-30 cm
- Spread
- 10-40 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
May browse on fronds if other food is scarce.
symbiotic with
Mycorrhizal fungus
Rhizophagus irregularis
Partners with roots to absorb nutrients.
shelters
Snail
Canyonella coactata
Provides shade and moisture for small invertebrates.
Traits
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
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.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
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, as some can be prickly or make you itchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is serpentine fern?
5-30 cm
How wide does serpentine fern spread?
10-40 cm
Is serpentine fern edible?
No
Is serpentine fern toxic?
None
What is serpentine fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is serpentine fern usually found?
Forests
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Park3 sightings3 species
British Columbia, CA
Koksilah River Provincial Park
You might spot Western Rattlesnake Plantain and Fairy-Slipper.
View guide →
Park10 sightings1 species
British Columbia, CA
Sooke Mountain Provincial Park
You might spot Broad-Leaved Stonecrop and Western Rattlesnake Plantain.
View guide →
