Dryopteris filix-mas
Male fern, Male Fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae · Type: perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
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.
Habitat: Granitic cliffs
Elevation: 2400-3100 m
Bioregions: SnBr, W&I
California counties: San Bernardino, Mono, Amador, Los Angeles, Butte, Napa, Ventura
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.