Pentagramma pallida
Frosty silverback fern, Frosty Silverback Fern
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Pentagramma pallida (Frosty silverback fern) is a native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by white exudate on both surfaces and rhizome tip diagnostic.
Frosty silverback fern is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada, central Valley, and southern Coast Ranges in rocky granitic habitats at elevations of 100 to 1,200 meters. The fern displays a distinctive white exudate covering its dark brown to nearly black stipe and pale to olive green fronds. Growing with a compact rhizome that produces delicate fronds 2 to 8 centimeters long, this fern has a unique appearance characterized by its white powdery coating. Its fronds feature proximal pinnae extending 2 to 6 centimeters, with both leaf surfaces covered in a striking white exudate that gives the plant its frosty appearance. The plant's intricate structure includes white-scaled rhizome tips, creating a distinctive and delicate botanical specimen.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; white exudate on both surfaces and rhizome tip diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally in or near granitic soil, rock, boulders
Elevation: 100-1200 m
California counties: Madera, Tulare, Tuolumne, Fresno, Kern, Butte, Mariposa, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, San Benito, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Amador, Shasta, Lake
How to tell it apart
vs Pteridium: Pentagramma is small (<30 cm) and stays in rock crevices; Pteridium is tall (>50 cm) and spreads in open areas.; vs Polypodium: Pentagramma fronds are finely divided multiple times; Polypodium fronds are simple with one row of undivided leaflets.; vs Dryopteris: Pentagramma has golden/silver coating underneath; Dryopteris undersides are green with kidney-shaped spore covers.; vs Aspidotis: Pentagramma segments attach broadly; Aspidotis segments are bead-like with edges rolled under to protect spores.; vs Myriopteris: Pentagramma undersides are smooth or waxy; Myriopteris undersides are fuzzy with hairs or scales.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pentagramma pallida native to California?
Yes. Pentagramma pallida is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Pentagramma pallida grow?
Pentagramma pallida occurs in Madera, Tulare, Tuolumne, Fresno, Kern, Butte, Mariposa, El Dorado and other counties, at elevations of 100-1200 m.
What plant family does Pentagramma pallida belong to?
Pentagramma pallida is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Pentagramma.
What habitat does Pentagramma pallida grow in?
Pentagramma pallida grows in Generally in or near granitic soil, rock, boulders.
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.