Myriopteris parryi
Parry's lip fern, Parry's Lip Fern
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Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Myriopteris parryi (Parry's lip fern) is a native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by silver-white upper hairs and black spores.
Parry's lip fern is a California native perennial found in the Peninsular Ranges, southern eastern Sierra Nevada, and desert regions on limestone and granite crevices at elevations of 100 to 1,500 meters. With delicate fronds 6 to 15 centimeters long, this fern features silvery-white hairs on the upper leaf surface and dense tan to golden hairs on the underside. Growing with a short-creeping rhizome covered in medium brown scales, it forms compact clusters in rocky habitats. Its small, nearly round leaf segments are densely covered with long, tangled hairs that give the plant a soft, intricate texture. The fern's sporangia are partially visible through the marginal hairs, with spores appearing nearly black.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; key features are silver-white upper hairs and black spores
Habitat and range
Habitat: Limestone, granite crevices, rocks
Elevation: 100-1500 m
California counties: San Diego, Plumas, Riverside, Inyo, San Bernardino, Imperial
Outside California: to Utah, Arizona, 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 parryi native to California?
Yes. Myriopteris parryi is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Myriopteris parryi grow?
Myriopteris parryi occurs in San Diego, Plumas, Riverside, Inyo, San Bernardino, Imperial, at elevations of 100-1500 m.
What plant family does Myriopteris parryi belong to?
Myriopteris parryi is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Myriopteris.
What habitat does Myriopteris parryi grow in?
Myriopteris parryi grows in Limestone, granite crevices, rocks.
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.