Plants in family pteridaceae
Pteris cretica
Pteris cretica, commonly known as the Cretan brake, is an evergreen fern with arching pinnate fronds that can grow up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, this fern is winter-hardy and thrives in part sun to shade. It is widely cultivated as a houseplant and in gardens, particularly in shade gardens. The variety Pteris cretica var. albolineata is especially popular for its ornamental appeal. This fern requires frost protection and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Hemionitis distans
Hemionitis distans, known as bristly cloak fern, is a dwarf dryland fern native to Australia and New Zealand. It has a woolly appearance with small white hairs on fronds and a rusty brown underside, suitable for rock gardens and containers.
Adiantum venustum
Adiantum venustum, native to China and the Himalayas, is an evergreen fern with triangular soft green fronds and black stems. It forms a spreading mat and is hardy to -10°C, suitable for USDA zones 5-8. This deer-resistant groundcover thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and is ideal for woodland gardens.
Pteris cretica 'Albo Fern'
Pteris cretica 'Albo Fern' is a tropical indoor plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, featuring dark green fronds with a cream-white center and white lateral veins. It thrives in indirect sunlight and requires humidity, making it well-suited for subtropical climates. This fern can grow up to 1-2.5 feet tall and is known for its striking foliage, which adds a touch of elegance to indoor spaces. Its adaptability to low light conditions makes it a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts.
Hemionitis wrightiana
Hemionitis wrightiana is a fern with stiffly upright fronds and rigid, blue-green leaves, native to the rocky terrains of Jeff Davis County, Texas. This plant is known for its preference for well-drained, neutral-to-alkaline soils and requires occasional moisture once established. It is found naturally at elevations around 5,000 feet, often at the base of large rocks. This fern is slightly smaller and more compact than other varieties, making it a unique addition to a garden. However, it is not easy to cultivate and is best suited for experienced gardeners.
Adiantum pedatum
Adiantum pedatum, or the Northern maidenhair fern, is a native of moist forests in eastern North America. It features slender, shining black stipes and a horizontal horseshoe-like wreath of foliage. This elegant fern thrives in humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soils.
Hemionitis calomelanos
Hemionitis calomelanos, known as the dwarf blue table fern, is native to South Africa's Cape Province and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. It is found in various regions, including eastern and southern Africa, and is associated with Afromontane vegetation. This fern is used by local peoples for its calming properties.
Hemionitis eckloniana
Hemionitis eckloniana, also known as the desert fern, is an evergreen fern with steely blue-green fronds. It forms a compact clump about 8 inches tall and wide and is deer-resistant. This fern is spore-grown from plants found at high elevations in South Africa and is named after Christian Ecklon. It is hardy down to 9 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for various climates.
Adiantum aleuticum
Adiantum aleuticum is a deciduous fern native to North America, with fan-shaped fronds atop thin black stalks. It prefers cool, moist soil and light shade, thriving in rock crevices near streams.
Hemionitis hirta
Hemionitis hirta is a fern native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, known for growing on dry rocky cliffs. It forms a 1-foot tall and wide clump and is deer-resistant. This plant prefers a protected location if temperatures drop below 12°F.
Coniogramme emeiensis 'Golden Zebra Bamboo Fern'
Coniogramme emeiensis 'Golden Zebra Bamboo Fern' is distinguished by its golden-yellow stripes on lime-green foliage. This easy-care fern features broad, undivided deep green pinnae and arching, ribbon-like fronds. Its striking appearance and low maintenance requirements make it an attractive choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Adiantum caudatum
Adiantum caudatum, known as the walking maidenhair fern, is a fern species found in shaded areas of Southeast Asia. It features narrow fronds up to 1 foot in length and pink-tinged new growth. This deciduous fern is evergreen in milder climates and prefers moist soils but can tolerate dry, sandy conditions.
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Ceratopteris thalictroides is a versatile fern found in tropical regions, often rooted in mud near stagnant water or slow-flowing rivers. It can grow over 3 feet long and is used both as a vegetable and an aquarium plant. This fern thrives in high light and a pH range of 5-9.
Hemionitis sinuata
Hemionitis sinuata, also known as the desert fern, is a unique plant with dark-olive, narrow, upright fronds that are evergreen. It thrives in alkaline soils and is native to limestone outcrops and slopes from Texas to South America. This drought-tolerant fern is suitable for rock gardens and requires part to full sun.
Pteris multifida
Pteris multifida is a crested fern with narrow, serrate light fronds ending in a frilly petticoat. It forms an 18-inch tall clump and is hardy in garden settings. This plant is suitable for sunny locations and can naturalize in alkaline conditions.
Ceratopteris cornuta
Ceratopteris cornuta is an aquatic fern known for its prolific growth and ability to absorb excess nutrients in water. It provides coverage for fry and shrimplets and is tolerant of harder water. While CO2 can boost its growth, it is not required.
Hemionitis palmata
Hemionitis palmata is a tropical plant with distinctive heart-shaped fronds. It thrives in humid environments, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens and terrariums.
Hemionitis viridis
Hemionitis viridis, also known as the green cliff brake, is a semi-evergreen fern native to South Africa's Eastern Cape. It grows up to 2 feet tall with thick, dark green pinnae and a black stipe. This drought-tolerant fern thrives in sunny rock gardens and is deer-resistant.
Adiantum tricholepis
Adiantum tricholepis is a dainty fern native to central Texas, often found near rivers and streams. It features 18-inch long, arching fronds and prefers moist soil with a pH of at least 6.0. This fern is a smaller version of the more common Adiantum capillus-veneris.
Cheilanthes lasiophylla
Cheilanthes lasiophylla, known as the Australian resurrection fern, is ideal for dry, sunny rock gardens. It features narrow, upright dark green fronds with a brown back, forming a tight clump. The fronds curl up during dry periods and unfurl after rain, showcasing its resilience.
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Adiantum capillus-veneris, commonly known as the Southern Maidenhair Fern, is a delicate deciduous fern with light green, triangular leaves and wiry black stems. It forms a spreading mat up to 10 inches tall and 4 feet wide over a decade, making it more compact than other varieties. This fern thrives in moist, well-drained soils and requires filtered light and high humidity, making it suitable for indoor cultivation. It is winter hardy to 6 degrees Fahrenheit and can be propagated by dividing rhizomes. Native to a wide range of regions, including the southern United States and parts of Eurasia, it is endangered in North Carolina and threatened in Kentucky. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine by Native Americans and in Iran.
Coniogramme japonica
Coniogramme japonica is a striking fern known for its bold texture and upright, dark green fronds that have a plastic-like feel. It spreads slowly through rhizomes and thrives in moist woodland soil, making it easy to grow. This fern is native to regions like China, Japan, and Korea, and is appreciated for its deer and rabbit resistance. It can serve as a groundcover or be used in living walls, adding a tropical look to shaded areas.
Hemionitis rotundifolia
Hemionitis rotundifolia is a compact fern ideal for miniature gardens or terrariums, growing to about 4 inches tall. It features round, dark-green, leathery pinnae and thrives in part sun to shade. This evergreen fern is native to New Zealand and requires acidic, well-drained soil.
Acrostichum aureum
Acrostichum aureum is a fern with heart-shaped leaves that grows to about 5 inches tall. It prefers sun to part shade and requires evenly moist soil, making it suitable for terrariums and shaded garden areas.
Hemionitis integerrima
Hemionitis integerrima is a desert fern species that grows in both alkaline and acidic soils up to 5,500 feet elevation. It features rigidly upright, brown-backed, olive-green fronds reaching 1 foot tall. This fern prefers a well-drained spot in a rock garden and has more rounded pinnae and shallower leaf lobes compared to Astrolepis sinuata.
Hemionitis quadripinnata
Hemionitis quadripinnata is a South African desert fern with finely cut foliage on jet black stipes. It grows in rocky cracks below high forests and is hardy to 8°F. This deer-resistant fern thrives in full-sun rock gardens and is known for its unique, congested foliage.
Pteris ensiformis
Pteris ensiformis, an ornamental fern from Asia and the Pacific, is notable for its silvery white fronds with green margins. It thrives in humid environments with shady to mild light, making it suitable for terrariums. This fern grows up to 18 inches tall and does not tolerate frost or direct sunlight. Over-watering can cause leaf yellowing, while too much light may lead to browning. It is a moderate to fast grower, preferring a slightly acidic pH of 6-6.5.
Hemionitis ovata
Hemionitis ovata is a fern with a zig-zag rachis and thumb-shaped blue-grey leaves. It prefers dry, rocky sites and can grow on both alkaline and acid soils. This tardily deciduous plant adds unique texture to garden settings.
Actiniopteris australis
Actiniopteris australis is a compact fern with delicate, palm-like fronds that grows well in enclosures. It reaches 6-8 inches in height and requires indirect light, high humidity, and moist but not soggy soil.
Pteris ensiformis 'Silver Lace'
Pteris ensiformis 'Silver Lace' is a fern native to Asia and the Pacific, recognized for its delicate, silvery green leaves and compact growth habit. It thrives in indirect sunlight and high humidity, making it suitable for subtropical climates. This plant can grow up to 2.5 feet and requires regular pruning to maintain its shape.