Myriopteris gracilis
Slender lip fern, Slender Lip Fern
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Myriopteris gracilis (Slender lip fern) is a native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by pale color and non-intertwined hairs.
Slender lip fern is a California native perennial found in the Transverse Ranges, White and Inyo Mountains, and Desert Mountains on limestone crevices, slopes, and cliffs at elevations of 1,200 to 3,000 meters. Its pale green fronds reach 6 to 15 centimeters long with delicate, three-times-divided segments that are small and round. Growing with a short-creeping rhizome, the fern has a slender stipe approximately 1 millimeter wide, adorned with pale or tan hairs that have distinctive orange constrictions. The fronds are characterized by sparse white to brown hairs on the upper surface and dense hair coverage on the underside, with light to red-brown scales featuring a dark central stripe. Its tiny round leaf segments are slightly concave on the lower surface, creating a distinctive textural appearance when examined closely.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; key features are pale color and non-intertwined hairs
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally limestone crevices, slopes, cliffs
Elevation: 1200-3000 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Montana, central United States, Mexico
How to tell it apart
vs Achillea: Myriopteris is a fern with spore cases underneath; Achillea is a flowering plant with flat-topped flower clusters.; vs Cheilanthes: These are the same - Cheilanthes is the old name for what's now called Myriopteris.; vs Notholaena: Myriopteris has fuzzy hairs or scales underneath; Notholaena has a smooth waxy powder coating.; vs Pellaea: Myriopteris undersides feel fuzzy or scaly; Pellaea undersides are smooth and leathery.; vs Pentagramma: Myriopteris has fuzzy scales or hairs; Pentagramma undersides are smooth with golden/silver coating or bare.
Frequently asked questions
Is Myriopteris gracilis native to California?
Yes. Myriopteris gracilis is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Myriopteris gracilis belong to?
Myriopteris gracilis is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Myriopteris.
What habitat does Myriopteris gracilis grow in?
Myriopteris gracilis grows in Generally limestone crevices, slopes, cliffs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.