Amauropelta nevadensis
Nevada marsh fern, Nevada Marsh Fern
(c) Timothy McNitt, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Thelypteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Amauropelta nevadensis (Nevada marsh fern) is a native California herb in the Thelypteridaceae family, recognized by Only Amauropelta species in California, representing distinct lineage within Thelypteridaceae.
Nevada marsh fern is a native fern found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, and northern Sierra Nevada Mountains in springy hillsides and seepage areas at elevations of 365 to 1,700 meters. Growing with densely clustered leaves 40 to 100 centimeters long and 8 to 15 centimeters wide, this fern has a creeping rhizome that typically becomes dormant during winter. Its blade is thin and distinctive, featuring many short-stalked resinous glands on the underside between and along the veins, giving the leaf a unique textured appearance. The fern's pinnae are deeply lobed with approximately oblong-shaped segments that are entire to shallowly crenate, creating an intricate leaf structure. Its stipe is covered with persistent tan lance-ovate scales, adding to the fern's delicate and complex botanical character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Amauropelta species in California, representing distinct lineage within Thelypteridaceae
Habitat and range
Habitat: Springy hillsides, seepage areas
Elevation: 365-1700 m
California counties: Trinity, Plumas, Placer, Siskiyou, Shasta, Humboldt, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, El Dorado, Mariposa, Butte, Nevada, Yuba, Sierra, Inyo, Mendocino
Outside California: to British Columbia, Idaho
Frequently asked questions
Is Amauropelta nevadensis native to California?
Yes. Amauropelta nevadensis is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Amauropelta nevadensis grow?
Amauropelta nevadensis occurs in Trinity, Plumas, Placer, Siskiyou, Shasta, Humboldt, San Bernardino, Santa Clara and other counties, at elevations of 365-1700 m.
What plant family does Amauropelta nevadensis belong to?
Amauropelta nevadensis is in the Thelypteridaceae family, genus Amauropelta.
What habitat does Amauropelta nevadensis grow in?
Amauropelta nevadensis grows in Springy hillsides, seepage areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.