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Aspidotis densa
Aspidotis densa (Brack.) Lellinger
Indian's Dream, Rock Brake, Cliff Brake
Pteridaceae (Maidenhair Fern Family)
Synonym(s): Cheilanthes siliquosa, Cryptogramma densa, Onychium densum, Pellaea densa
USDA Symbol: ASDE6
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A low, densely tufted fern, 4-6 in. high, with fronds broadly triangular in outline. Each evergreen frond is dissected into many shiny, dark-green, linear leaflets.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Fronds up to about 10 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYCanada: BC
Native Distribution: S. B.C. to mts. of San Luis Obispo & Kern Cos., CA, inland to n.w. MT; disjunct in the Wasatch Mts. of UT, in s. Ont., and in the Gaspe region of Que.
Native Habitat: Stony, serpentine cliff crevices and slopes
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Cool, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: On the wet side of the mountains, this fern needs the protection of a rock overhang. The crown must be protected from winter sogginess.
Propagation
Description: Divide mature clumps.Commercially Avail: yes
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Aspidotis densa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Aspidotis densa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Aspidotis densa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-09-30Research By: TWC Staff