Native Plants

Plant Database

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Cressler, Alan

Polypodium virginianum

Polypodium virginianum L.

Rock Polypody

Polypodiaceae (Polypody Family)

Synonym(s): Polypodium vulgare, Polypodium vulgare var. virginianum

USDA Symbol: povi7

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), GL (N), SPM (N)

Polypody is a creeping fern that forms dense mats and will cover mossy rocks. Fronds are small, leathery and evergreen.

A good rock garden plant in filtered light.

From the Image Gallery

4 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: MB , NB , NL , NS , NT , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Habitat: Woodland,Rocky Bluff

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8) , Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Will only tolerate moist soil with good drainage.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. Leyerle

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Polypodium virginianum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Polypodium virginianum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polypodium virginianum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2017-11-14
Research By: TWC Staff

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