Myriopteris newberryi
Newberry's lip fern, Newberry's Lip Fern
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Myriopteris newberryi (Newberry's lip fern) is a native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by dense matted hairs obscuring leaf surface.
Newberry's lip fern is a California native perennial found in the southwestern region of the state on dry rock outcrops at elevations of 100 to 800 meters. Its distinctive fronds grow 15 to 20 centimeters long with dense, long, tangled white to tan hairs giving the leaf surfaces a soft, matted appearance. Growing with a short to long-creeping rhizome, the fern has uniquely colored scales featuring maroon bases with curly tan hair-like tips. The leaf segments are small and nearly round, appearing gray-green on the upper surface and tan on the underside, completely covered by dense hair. The fern produces sporangia that are 32- or 64-spored and subtly visible along the segment margins.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; key features are dense matted hairs obscuring leaf surface
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rock outcrops
Elevation: 100-800 m
Outside California: Baja California
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 newberryi native to California?
Yes. Myriopteris newberryi is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Myriopteris newberryi belong to?
Myriopteris newberryi is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Myriopteris.
What habitat does Myriopteris newberryi grow in?
Myriopteris newberryi grows in Dry, rock outcrops.
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.