Notholaena californica
California cloak-fern
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Notholaena californica (California cloak-fern) is a native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by Desert-adapted fern genus representing specialized xeric lineage within Pteridaceae.
California cloak-fern is a native perennial found in southern California, the southern Channel Islands, Transverse Ranges, Peninsular Ranges, desert mountains, and Sonoran Desert on dry rocky slopes, rock crevices, and under rock ledges at elevations of 200 to 1,300 meters. Its distinctive fern fronds are three-pinnate, 3 to 13 centimeters long, with brown to black leaf axes and segments covered in white to yellow exudate. Growing with a rhizomatous habit, the fern has rigid scales with near-black midribs that are finely ciliate along the margins. Its fern segments display an asymmetrical growth pattern, with lower pinnae more developed on the basal side and sparse white to yellow exudate dots on the leaf surface. The fern is particularly adapted to rocky, arid environments, thriving in hidden crevices and protected ledges across southern California's rugged landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Desert-adapted fern genus representing specialized xeric lineage within Pteridaceae
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry rocky slopes, rock crevices, under rock ledges
Elevation: 200-1300 m
California counties: Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura
Outside California: Arizona, northwestern Mexico
How to tell it apart
vs Myriopteris: Notholaena has a waxy, powdery coating underneath; Myriopteris has fuzzy hairs or scales.; vs Pentagramma: Notholaena coating is thick and chalky white/yellow; Pentagramma coating is thinner and golden/silvery.; vs Adiantum: Notholaena has thick waxy powder underneath; Adiantum undersides are smooth and green.; vs Aspidotis: Notholaena has waxy powder on undersides; Aspidotis has smooth, naked undersides with rolled edges.; vs Argyrochosma: Notholaena has thick waxy coating; Argyrochosma may have white powder but frond segments are narrowed at base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Notholaena californica native to California?
Yes. Notholaena californica is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Notholaena californica grow?
Notholaena californica occurs in Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, at elevations of 200-1300 m.
What plant family does Notholaena californica belong to?
Notholaena californica is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Notholaena.
What habitat does Notholaena californica grow in?
Notholaena californica grows in dry rocky slopes, rock crevices, under rock ledges.
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.