Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea
Southwestern false cloak-fern, Southwestern False Cloak-Fern, southwestern false cloak-fern
(c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie · licence
Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea (Southwestern false cloak-fern) is a native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by larger size, longer stalks, and blade shape.
Southwestern false cloak-fern is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native perennial found in the eastern desert mountains including the New York Mountains in rock crevices, especially at the base of calcareous rocks at elevations of 1,800 meters. The fern has dark brown to black stem stalks supporting ovate to triangular leaf blades 10 to 25 centimeters long. Its leaf segments are generally small, measuring 1.5 to 3 millimeters, with basal pinna stalks 5 to 10 millimeters long and pinnule stalks 3 to 6 millimeters in length. The delicate fern grows with finely divided leaf structures that tuck into rocky crevices, creating intricate patterns against stone surfaces. With chromosomal complexity (n=2n=81), this rare fern represents a specialized adaptation to harsh desert mountain environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by larger size, longer stalks, and blade shape
Habitat and range
Habitat: In crevices, especially bases of calcareous rocks
Elevation: 1800 m
Outside California: to Utah, New Mexico, northwestern Mexico
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Adiantum: Argyrochosma segments are narrowed at base; maidenhair has broad fan-shaped leaflets.; vs Aspidotis: Argyrochosma segments are stalked and separate; lace fern segments are stalkless and connected.; vs Pellaea: Argyrochosma has spore cases along outer vein portions; cliff-brake has them clustered just at vein tips.; vs Notholaena: Check leaf underside - Argyrochosma is smooth, cloak fern has dense scales or hairs.; vs Myriopteris: Argyrochosma leaf undersides are completely smooth; lip fern has obvious scales, hairs, or glands.
Frequently asked questions
Is Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea native to California?
Yes. Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea belong to?
Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Argyrochosma.
Is Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea rare or endangered?
Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea grow in?
Argyrochosma limitanea subsp. limitanea grows in In crevices, especially bases of calcareous rocks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.