Astrolepis cochisensis
Scaly cloak-fern, Scaly Cloak-Fern
(c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair · licence
Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Astrolepis cochisensis (Scaly cloak-fern) is a native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by No sympatric species - geographically isolated. Key features include 1-pinnate blade, jointed pinna stalks, and characteristic scale….
Scaly cloak-fern is a California native perennial found in the Desert Mountains in limestone slopes and rock crevices at elevations of 900 to 1,800 meters. With a distinctive fern structure, this plant has delicate fronds with pinnae less than 0.5 centimeters long, adorned with stellate and lanceolate scales ranging from white to tan. Growing with a short rhizome and stipe 3 to 6 centimeters tall, the fern develops a single-pinnate blade 8 to 15 centimeters long that tapers to a pointed tip. Its leaf surfaces are intricately covered with persistent stellate scales on the upper side and densely toothed, finely dissected scales on the lower side, creating a complex textural landscape. The sporangia develop in a submarginal band, partially visible and emerging through the plant's delicate scale covering.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: No sympatric species - geographically isolated. Key features include 1-pinnate blade, jointed pinna stalks, and characteristic scale morphology.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Limestone slopes, crevices
Elevation: 900-1800 m
California counties: San Bernardino
Outside California: to Texas, Mexico
How to tell it apart
vs Pentagramma: Astrolepis has star-shaped scales on upper surface; Pentagramma upper surface is smooth and scale-free.; vs Argyrochosma: Astrolepis has visible scales on upper surface; Argyrochosma upper surface is completely naked and smooth.
Frequently asked questions
Is Astrolepis cochisensis native to California?
Yes. Astrolepis cochisensis is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Astrolepis cochisensis grow?
Astrolepis cochisensis occurs in San Bernardino, at elevations of 900-1800 m.
What plant family does Astrolepis cochisensis belong to?
Astrolepis cochisensis is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Astrolepis.
What habitat does Astrolepis cochisensis grow in?
Astrolepis cochisensis grows in Limestone slopes, crevices.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · 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.