Dryopteris filix-mas
Male fern, Male Fern
(c) Ben Redding, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Dryopteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Dryopteris filix-mas (Male fern) is a native California herb in the Dryopteridaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by high elevation granite habitat and elliptic blade shape.
Male fern is a California native perennial found in the White and Inyo Mountains and Transverse Ranges on granitic cliffs at elevations of 2,400 to 3,100 meters. Growing without flowering, this fern develops large elliptic fronds 40 to 70 centimeters long with impressive width up to 25 centimeters. Its expansive fronds feature 2-pinnate structure with pinnae that are longest near the blade's middle, creating a symmetrical and lush appearance. The leaves have deeply lobed segments with mostly uniform sides, and characteristic linear or hair-like scales along the pinna midribs. Its substantial size and intricate leaf structure make it a distinctive and elegant woodland fern.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Distinguished by high elevation granite habitat and elliptic blade shape
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granitic cliffs
Elevation: 2400-3100 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Mono, Amador, Los Angeles, Butte, Napa, Ventura
Outside California: to British Columbia, northeastern North America, Europe, Africa
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Pteridium: Dryopteris has round spore covers on frond undersides; bracken fern has continuous spore lines hidden under rolled leaf edges.; vs Athyrium: Dryopteris spore covers are kidney-shaped and attached at the notch; lady ferns have curved, elongated spore clusters.; vs Polystichum: Run your hand along the frond—Dryopteris feels smooth, Polystichum feels distinctly prickly from bristle-tipped teeth.; vs Polypodium: Dryopteris has kidney-shaped covers over spore dots; polypody has naked round spore dots with no covering.; vs Woodwardia: Dryopteris has scattered round spore covers; chain fern has elongated spore clusters arranged in parallel chain-like rows.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dryopteris filix-mas native to California?
Yes. Dryopteris filix-mas is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Dryopteris filix-mas grow?
Dryopteris filix-mas occurs in San Bernardino, Mono, Amador, Los Angeles, Butte, Napa, Ventura, at elevations of 2400-3100 m.
What plant family does Dryopteris filix-mas belong to?
Dryopteris filix-mas is in the Dryopteridaceae family, genus Dryopteris.
Is Dryopteris filix-mas rare or endangered?
Dryopteris filix-mas carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Dryopteris filix-mas grow in?
Dryopteris filix-mas grows in Granitic cliffs.
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 · 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.