Cyrtomium falcatum
Hollyfern
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Family: Dryopteridaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Cyrtomium falcatum (Hollyfern) is a non-native California herb in the Dryopteridaceae family, recognized by Asian ornamental fern, only Cyrtomium naturalized in California.
Hollyfern is a naturalized perennial found in southern California regions including Santa Ana Mountains, coastal ranges, and San Joaquin Valley on moist cliffs, banks, and rocky crevices at elevations below 900 meters. Growing with large, glossy bright green fronds 30 to 80 centimeters tall, this fern produces pinnae in 4 to 10 pairs with distinctive thickened margins. Its fronds feature elegant, shiny green leaflets with occasionally wavy or slightly toothed edges, creating a rich, dense appearance. The fern's rhizome is characterized by large, light to dark brown ovate scales that range from entire to jagged in texture. This ornamental fern adapts readily to sheltered, moisture-rich environments with its robust and attractive foliage.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Asian ornamental fern, only Cyrtomium naturalized in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally moist cliffs, banks, crevices
Elevation: < 900 m
Outside California: southeastern United States, native to eastern Asia, cultivated as ornamental
How to tell it apart
vs Polystichum: Cyrtomium has glossy, undivided leaflets with netted veins; sword ferns have more finely divided, prickly leaflets with free veins.; vs Berberis: Cyrtomium is a fern with spores on leaf undersides; barberry is a woody shrub with flowers and berries.; vs Dryopteris: Hold leaflets to light—Cyrtomium veins form a netted pattern, Dryopteris veins run free without connecting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cyrtomium falcatum native to California?
No. Cyrtomium falcatum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Cyrtomium falcatum belong to?
Cyrtomium falcatum is in the Dryopteridaceae family, genus Cyrtomium.
What habitat does Cyrtomium falcatum grow in?
Cyrtomium falcatum grows in Generally moist cliffs, banks, crevices.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.