Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense
Sonoran maiden fern
Family: Thelypteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense (Sonoran maiden fern) is a native California herb in the Thelypteridaceae family, recognized by Only Pelazoneuron species in California, adapted to arid southwestern conditions.
Sonoran maiden fern is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native fern found in southern California, western Transverse Ranges, San Gabriel Mountains, and San Jacinto Mountains along stream banks and seepage areas at elevations of 50 to 800 meters. This evergreen fern has a distinctive thick blade with deeply lobed pinnae, creating an intricate green texture across its substantial fronds. Growing 50 to 120 centimeters tall and up to 30 centimeters wide, it develops from a creeping rhizome 3 to 8 millimeters wide with lanceolate brown scales. Its fronds feature pinnae with narrowly oblong lobes, densely hairy on axes and between veins, giving the plant a soft, textured appearance. Small round sori with densely hairy indusia are nestled across the blade, contributing to its delicate botanical character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Pelazoneuron species in California, adapted to arid southwestern conditions
Habitat and range
Habitat: Along streams, seepage areas
Elevation: 50-800 m
Outside California: to Arizona, southern Mexico
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense native to California?
Yes. Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense belong to?
Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense is in the Thelypteridaceae family, genus Pelazoneuron.
Is Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense rare or endangered?
Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense grow in?
Pelazoneuron puberulum var. sonorense grows in Along streams, seepage areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.